“Well, sire, you alarm me greatly. If your majesty undertakes the affair, as you seem inclined to do, I am a lost man; the duke will have me assassinated.”
The king burst into a fresh roar of laughter, which changed D’Artagnan’s alarm into downright terror.
“Sire, I beg you to allow me to settle this matter myself, and if your majesty has no further need of my services——”
“No, chevalier. What, do you want to leave us?” replied Charles, with a hilarity that grew more and more alarming.
“If your majesty has no more commands for me.”
Charles became more serious.
“One single thing. See my sister, the Lady Henrietta. Do you know her?”
“No, sire, but—an old soldier like me is not an agreeable spectacle for a young and gay princess.”
“Ah! but my sister must know you; she must in case of need have you to depend upon.”
“Sire, every one that is dear to your majesty will be sacred to me.”