.

The Presentation of Porthos at Court.
At seven o'clock the same evening, the king gave an audience to an ambassador from the United Provinces, in the grand reception-room.

The audience lasted a quarter of an hour.

His majesty afterwards received those who had been recently presented, together with a few ladies, who paid their respects first.

In one corner of the salon, concealed behind a column, Porthos and D'Artagnan were conversing together, waiting until their turn arrived.
"Have you heard the news ?" inquired the musketeer of his friend.
"No!" "Well, look, then." Porthos raised himself on tiptoe, and saw M.Fouquet in full court dress, leading Aramis towards the king.
"Aramis!" said Porthos.
"Presented to the king by M.Fouquet." "Ah!" ejaculated Porthos.
"For having fortified Belle-Isle," continued D'Artagnan.
"And I ?" "You--oh, you! as I have already had the honor of telling you, are the good-natured, kind-hearted Porthos; and so they begged you to take care of Saint-Mande a little." "Ah!" repeated Porthos.
"But, happily, I was there," said D'Artagnan, "and presently it will be _my_ turn." At this moment Fouquet addressed the king.
"Sire," he said, "I have a favor to solicit of your majesty.