“I was saying that if, any day, I were to go to France——”
“You will go, my lord,” said D’Artagnan. “I shall answer for that.”
“And how so?”
“Oh, I have strange powers of prediction; if I do predict anything I am seldom mistaken. If, then, you do come to France?”
“Well, then, monsieur, you, of whom kings ask that valuable friendship which restores crowns to them, I will venture to beg of you a little of that great interest you took in my father.”
“My lord,” replied D’Artagnan, “believe me, I shall deem myself highly honored if, in France, you remember having seen me here. And now permit——”
Then, turning towards the princess: “Madam,” said he, “your royal highness is a daughter of France; and in that quality I hope to see you again in Paris. One of my happy days will be that on which your royal highness shall give me any command whatever, thus proving to me that you have not forgotten the recommendations of your august brother.” And he bowed respectfully to the young princess, who gave him her hand to kiss with a right royal grace.
“Ah! madam,” said Buckingham, in a subdued voice, “what can a man do to obtain a similar favor from your royal highness?”
“Dame! my lord,” replied Henrietta, “ask Monsieur d’Artagnan; he will tell you.”