On his presenting himself, he was at once shown into Mazarin's private apartments.
"Monsieur de Villar," Mazarin said, "I am sorely in need of friends.
You have heard of what has happened, and from the threats that he has publicly uttered against myself I am convinced that Beaufort will hesitate at nothing to bring about my ruin.

I hear that you are still with your regiment at St.Denis.I shall be glad if for a time you will take up your abode at Paris, and will hold yourself in readiness to be of service to me if there should be occasion.

Beaufort is capable of even attempting my life; he is very unscrupulous, and will hesitate at nothing.

I shall be glad if you will take up your lodging within a short distance of this, so that I can communicate with you instantly." "Certainly, your excellency; I will keep half a company always under arms, so that at the shortest notice they will be in readiness to act as you may direct.

But surely, your excellency, you have the queen's musketeers close at hand ?" "The queen's musketeers are a body of gallant soldiers, but they will take their orders only from the queen.