You are devoted and noble young gentlemen, but your only weakness is your excessive modesty.

From this moment I make you all Marshals and Dukes, with the exception of Aramis." "And me, sire ?" said Aramis.
"You shall be an Archbishop!" The four friends looked up and then rushed into each other's arms.

The King embraced Louise de la Valliere, by way of keeping them company.

A pause ensued.

At last Athos spoke:-- "Swear, my children, that, next to yourselves, you will respect the King of France; and remember that 'Forty years after' we will meet again." THE DWELLER OF THE THRESHOLD.
BY SIR ED--D L--TT--N B--LW--R..