The conversation had languished in the royal family; Philippe, preoccupied, forgot to dismiss his brother and Madame Henrietta.

The latter were astonished, and began, by degrees, to lose all patience.

Anne of Austria stooped towards her son's ear and addressed some words to him in Spanish.

Philippe was completely ignorant of that language, and grew pale at this unexpected obstacle.

But, as if the spirit of the imperturbable Aramis had covered him with his infallibility, instead of appearing disconcerted, Philippe rose.