CHAPTER XI: THE CASTLE OF LA VILLAR.
The next morning he called at eleven o'clock, at which hour the cardinal's secretary had informed him that Mazarin would expect him.
He went to the abode of the minister.

Mazarin received him with marked courtesy.
"Here are the deeds appointing to you the estate of la Villar and your patent of nobility," he said, pointing to a box upon his table.

"You have been singularly fortunate, sir, and from all inquiries that I have made from officers who have served with Monsieur de Turenne, and, I may say, from Colonel Maclvor, I hear nothing but good of you, as a soldier devoted to duty, as a young man free from the vices and dissipations too common among those of your age, and as possessing intelligence as well as courage.

Such men, sir, even royalty does well to attach to itself, and for them a splendid career is open.

I, high as is the office in which Providence has placed me, may well envy you.