"That is never long out of my thoughts."
"'Tis a good goal to try for, and not an impossible one either. Have you quarters in the Palace?"
"Temporary ones, till Mazarin has decided how to employ me."
The old soldier kept me with him some time longer, but seeing he was tired I made some excuse to get away, promising to call again in the morning. His return had cheered me considerably. Hitherto I had been very lonely among the crowds of courtiers, but now I felt secure of having at least one friend in the vast building.
It was strange, too, what a difference his friendship made in my position. Gaily-dressed young nobles, who, after a glance at my shabby doublet, had passed by without a word, now stopped and entered into conversation, pressing me to come here and there, as if I were their most intimate friend.
However, I declined their invitations, thinking it best to keep in the background till I had learned more of the Cardinal's intentions.
CHAPTER V.
The Reception at the Luxembourg.
"Albert? Is it possible?"