If I recognized my king on that day, when the thing was not easy, I think it would be useless to ask the question of me now, when your majesty and I are alone." At these words Louis cast down his eyes.

It appeared to him that the shade of the unfortunate Philippe passed between D'Artagnan and himself, to evoke the remembrance of that terrible adventure.

Almost at the same moment an officer entered and placed a dispatch in the hands of the king, who, in his turn, changed color, while reading it.
"Monsieur," said he, "what I learn here you would know later; it is better I should tell you, and that you should learn it from the mouth of your king.

A battle has taken place at Belle-Isle." "Is it possible ?" said D'Artagnan, with a calm air, though his heart was beating fast enough to choke him.

"Well, sire ?" "Well, monsieur--and I have lost a hundred and ten men." A beam of joy and pride shone in the eyes of D'Artagnan.