But he himself remained an instant under the porch watching the departing Charles II., till he was lost in the turn of the next street.
"To him as to his father formerly," murmured he, "Athos, if he were here, would say with reason,--'Salute fallen majesty!'" Then, reascending the staircase: "Oh! the vile service that I follow!" said he at every step.

"Oh! my pitiful master! Life thus carried on is no longer tolerable, and it is at length time that I should do something! No more generosity, no more energy! The master has succeeded, the pupil is starved forever.

Mordioux! I will not resist.

Come, you men," continued he, entering the ante-chamber, "why are you all looking at me so?
Extinguish these torches and return to your posts.

Ah! you were guarding me?
Yes, you watch over me, do you not, worthy fellows?
Brave fools! I am not the Duc de Guise.