But first, that my coming may not fill you with false hopes, let me say frankly, that though I may relieve your present necessities, whether you fall into the plan I am going to mention, or not, I cannot take you into my service; wherein, indeed, every post is doubly filled.

Du Mornay mentioned your name to me, but in fairness to others I had to answer that I could do nothing.' I am bound to confess that this strange exordium dashed hopes which had already risen to a high pitch.

Recovering myself as quickly as possible, however, I murmured that the honour of a visit from the King of Navarre was sufficient happiness for me.
'Nay, but that honour I must take from you' he replied, smiling; 'though I see that you would make an excellent courtier--far better than Du Mornay here, who never in his life made so pretty a speech.

For I must lay my commands on you to keep this visit a secret, M.de Marsac.

Should but the slightest whisper of it get abroad, your usefulness, as far as I am concerned, would be gone, and gone for good!' So remarkable a statement filled me with wonder I could scarcely disguise.