"It is rumoured," continued the first, "that De Retz nearly found himself in the Bastille only the other night."
"'Twould have served him right, too; he is a regular monkey for mischief. I wonder the Cardinal has put up with his tricks so long."
Thus they chattered among themselves till at last the door opened, and the secretary came out. A dozen men pressed forward eagerly, but, making his way through them, he approached the corner where I sat.
"M. de Lalande," he said, "the Cardinal wishes to see you."
I jumped up and followed him, amidst cold looks and scarcely concealed sneers at my shabby dress. It has often astonished me that people show such contempt for an old coat.
Mazarin stood with his back to the fireplace talking to my father's old friend.
"This is the youngster," said he, as I entered. "Do you know him?"
"Ay," answered Belloc, "I know him well, and I warrant he will prove as faithful a follower as any who draws your pay. I have yet to hear of a De Lalande deserting his flag. Even Henri, scamp though he may be, is loyal to his party. When De Retz sinks, Henri de Lalande will sink with him."
"Ma foi!" exclaimed the Cardinal, "such a fellow would be well worth gaining over!"
"You would find him proof against bribes or threats. And I warrant this lad is of the same mettle."