You can present him to me when you return from the war.' You know the cardinal by sight, I suppose ?" "Yes, general, I have seen him many times." "He is a great man," Turenne said thoughtfully, rather as if speaking to himself than to Hector; "the greatest that France has ever known--he is the soul of France.

It is well, indeed, that we have at present a king who recognizes how great a man he is, and is wise enough to know that although he himself is somewhat overshadowed, France is made greater and stronger and his own reign more glorious by his genius." Then he broke off with a smile.

"I was talking to myself rather than to you.

I shall ride to St.Denis at two o'clock today; be here at that time.

I will order the horse, that I have purchased for you, to be brought round here." Hector was about to express his gratitude, but the general at once stopped him.