Now, monsieur, frankly, were you ordered to arrest the Duc de Bouillon, would you carry it out without fear or favour ?" "Certainly I would, your excellency; and should you give such an order to Marshal Turenne he would do so himself.

He is a soldier of the queen before all things, and has taught me that my duty is towards the sovereign who represents France, regardless of all other considerations." The cardinal while speaking had watched the young soldier's face scrutinizingly.

Faithful as Turenne had always been to the crown, even when his brother was in arms against it, Mazarin had still in his heart some doubts as to his fidelity under all circumstances.

He could not but be conscious that faith had been absolutely broken with Bouillon, and, accustomed to tortuous ways, he could scarce imagine that Turenne would hold himself altogether above family interest.

He saw by the manner more than the words of Hector that he was speaking from a profound conviction.