I trust that you will present yourself at the levee this evening." "One thing more, colonel," Mazarin added; "I doubt not that some of Beaufort's people will endeavour to find out how it was that you came to be behind my carriage.

If they do so you might carelessly mention that you and your officers had ridden out in a party at St.Germain, and that on your way back you chanced to fall in with my carriage." At the barracks Hector called the officers together.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I have no doubt that your little ride today has somewhat puzzled you.

I am not at liberty to tell you the reason why I requested you to ride with me; but it is very probable that you may be asked the question, and I beg you all to remember that we have been on a little party of pleasure to St.Germain, and having dined there were on our way back when we overtook the carriage of the cardinal; and seeing that he had the Duke of Orleans with him, we reined back and followed him, deeming that it would not appear respectful were we to gallop past the carriage.

Please bear this story in mind.