M.Colbert, who has so well informed you, has he not forgotten to tell you that this young man is the son of my most intimate friend ?" "The Vicomte de Bragelonne ?" "Certainly, sire.

The father of the Vicomte de Bragelonne is M.le Comte de la Fere, who so powerfully assisted in the restoration of King Charles II.

Bragelonne comes of a valiant race, sire." "Then he is the son of that nobleman who came to me, or rather to M.
Mazarin, on the part of King Charles II., to offer me his alliance ?" "Exactly, sire." "And the Comte de la Fere is a great soldier, say you ?" "Sire, he is a man who has drawn his sword more times for the king, your father, than there are, at present, months in the happy life of your majesty." It was Louis XIV.

who now bit his lip.
"That is well, M.d'Artagnan, very well! And M.le Comte de la Fere is your friend, say you ?" "For about forty years; yes, sire.

Your majesty may see that I do not speak to you of yesterday." "Should you be glad to see this young man, M.d'Artagnan ?" "Delighted, sire." The king touched his bell, and an usher appeared.