D’Artagnan saw from the expression of the queen’s face that she was about to issue some violent command. He approached her and said in a low voice:
“Has your majesty still confidence in me?”
This voice startled her. “Yes, sir,” she replied, “every confidence; speak.”
“Will the queen deign to follow my advice?”
“Speak.”
“Let your majesty dismiss M. de Comminges and desire him to shut himself up with his men in the guardhouse and in the stables.”
Comminges glanced at D’Artagnan with the envious look with which every courtier sees a new favorite spring up.
“You hear, Comminges?” said the queen.
D’Artagnan went up to him; with his usual quickness he caught the anxious glance.
“Monsieur de Comminges,” he said, “pardon me; we both are servants of the queen, are we not? It is my turn to be of use to her; do not envy me this happiness.”