He entered now, and stood with the quiet ease of a man who is used to such scenes, his hand raised in a salute.
"What news, captain ?" "Major de Brissac bade me tell you, sire, that he held the Castle of Portillac, that the lady is safe, and that her husband is a prisoner." Louis and his wife exchanged a quick glance of relief.
"That is well," said he.

"By the way, captain, you have served me in many ways of late, and always with success.

I hear, Louvois, that De la Salle is dead of the small-pox." "He died yesterday, sire." "Then I desire that you make out the vacant commission of major to Monsieur de Catinat.

Let me be the first to congratulate you, major, upon your promotion, though you will need to exchange the blue coat for the pearl and gray of the mousquetaires.

We cannot spare you from the household, you see." De Catinat kissed the hand which the monarch held out to him.
"May I be worthy of your kindness, sire!" "You would do what you could to serve me, would you not ?" "My life is yours, sire." "Very good.