"Oh, the king has his musketeers to take care of him," said Charles, quietly; "I know that perfectly well, for I was kept dancing attendance in his antechamber at Blois. He has M. d'Artagnan, and what better guardian could the king have than M. d'Artagnan? I should make myself perfectly easy with twenty storms of passion, such as Bragelonne might display, if I had four guardians like D'Artagnan."
"But I entreat your majesty, who is so good and kind, to reflect a little."
"Stay," said Charles II., presenting the letter to the duke, "read, and answer yourself what you would do in my place."
Buckingham slowly took hold of Madame's letter, and, trembling with emotion, read the following words:
"For your own sake, for mine, for the honor and safety of every one, send M. de Bragelonne back to France immediately.
"Your devoted sister,
"Henrietta."
"Well, Villiers, what do you say?"
"Really, sire, I have nothing to say,"' replied the duke, stupefied.
"Nay, would you, of all persons," said the king, artfully, "advise me not to listen to my sister when she writes so urgently?"
"Oh, no, no, sire; and yet—"