He turned aside and put the note in his pocket, and then advancing a few steps, which brought him again to the threshold of the door close to his guests, he said, "M.

du Vallon, I have seen you to-day with the greatest pleasure, and my pleasure will be equally great to see you again." Porthos bowed as the Colossus of Rhodes would have done, and retired from the room with his face towards the king.

"M.
d'Artagnan," continued the king, "you will await my orders in the gallery; I am obliged to you for having made me acquainted with M.du Vallon.

Gentlemen," addressing himself to the other guests, "I return to Paris to-morrow on account of the departure of the Spanish and Dutch ambassadors.

Until to-morrow then." The apartment was immediately cleared of the guests.