You, sir, being altogether unconnected with any of the great families of France, stand in a different position from that of the great majority of officers of your rank.

Look where I will, I see our regiments officered by men connected by birth and family with one or other of the men who are at present intriguing against us, and were they ordered to take steps to arrest, for example, one of those persons connected with them, they might, without openly refusing, give such warning to them that they would be able to escape.

Now, sir, I ask you to tell me frankly whether, under all contingencies, the queen can rely upon your services?
I give you my word that whatever your reply is, it shall in no way count against you.
There are cases in which it would doubtless be painful to you to carry out such an order.

You are a protege of Monsieur de Turenne.

Monsieur de Turenne is brother of the Duc de Bouillon, and, as I know, you yourself were staying for some months in the castle of Sedan, where you went to be cured of your wounds.