"Officer, a messenger!" But this brave guard knew very well that no officer would appear, seeing that the only one who could have appeared dwelt at the other side of the castle, in an apartment looking into the gardens.

So he hastened to add: "The officer, monsieur, is on his rounds, but in his absence, M.de Saint-Remy, the maitre d'hotel shall be informed." "M.

de Saint-Remy ?" repeated the cavalier, slightly blushing.
"Do you know him ?" "Why, yes; but request him, if you please, that my visit be announced to his royal highness as soon as possible." "It appears to be pressing," said the guard, as if speaking to himself, but really in the hope of obtaining an answer.
The messenger made an affirmative sign with his head.
"In that case," said the guard, "I will go and seek the maitre d'hotel myself." The young man, in the meantime, dismounted; and whilst the others were making their remarks upon the fine horse the cavalier rode, the soldier returned.
"Your pardon, young gentleman; but your name, if you please ?" "The Vicomte de Bragelonne, on the part of his highness M.le Prince de Conde." The soldier made a profound bow, and, as if the name of the conqueror of Rocroy and Sens had given him wings, he stepped lightly up the steps leading to the ante-chamber.
M.de Bragelonne had not had time to fasten his horse to the iron bars of the perron, when M.de Saint-Remy came running, out of breath, supporting his capacious body with one hand, whilst with the other he cut the air as a fisherman cleaves the waves with his oar.
"Ah, Monsieur le Vicomte! You at Blois!" cried he.

"Well, that is a wonder.

Good-day to you--good-day, Monsieur Raoul." "I offer you a thousand respects, M.de Saint-Remy." "How Madame de la Vall--I mean, how delighted Madame de Saint-Remy will be to see you! But come in.