Fortunately, the speech was now at an end; the king drank the wine which was presented to him, and then every one resumed the progress through the city.

The king bit his lips in anger, for the evening was closing in, and all hope of a walk with La Valliere was at an end.

In order that the whole of the king's household should enter Vaux, four hours at least were necessary, owing to the different arrangements.

The king, therefore, who was boiling with impatience, hurried forward as much as possible, in order to reach it before nightfall.

But, at the moment he was setting off again, other and fresh difficulties arose.
"Is not the king going to sleep at Melun ?" said Colbert, in a low tone of voice, to D'Artagnan.
M.Colbert must have been badly inspired that day, to address himself in that manner to the chief of the musketeers; for the latter guessed that the king's intention was very far from that of remaining where he was.
D'Artagnan would not allow him to enter Vaux except he were well and strongly accompanied; and desired that his majesty would not enter except with all the escort.