"A dozen ladies have already asked me to present you to them." "Well, please don't do so just now, colonel; let me look round first." "That is but fair, Campbell.

First, though, I will tell you a piece of news that I have just heard.

The queen sent off a messenger two days ago to Turenne, and it is believed that he is to have the command of the army on the Rhine." "That is good news indeed," Hector exclaimed.

"It is high time that he should be given a command, instead of being always put under men less capable than himself.

Still, it is unexpected at the present moment." "I know that the queen always had the greatest liking for Turenne," the colonel said, "but of course until now she has had no power.