"Do as you please," said she. "I trust entirely to you."
"Does your majesty authorize me to give orders in your name?"
"I do, sir."
D'Artagnan hurried from the room. The tumult was increasing; the mob seemed to surround the Palais Royal. On all sides were heard seditious cries and clamours. Presently M. de Comminges, who was on guard that night at the Palais Royal, craved admittance to the queen's presence. He had about two hundred men in the court-yard and stables, and he placed them at her majesty's disposal.
"What do the people want?" said Anne of Austria to D'Artagnan, who just then re-appeared.
"A report has been spread, madam, that your majesty has left the Palais Royal, taking the king with you. The mob demand a proof of the contrary, or threaten to demolish the palace."
"Oh! this time it is too bad," said the queen. "I will soon show them that I am not gone."
D'Artagnan saw by the expression of Anne's face, that she was about to give some violent order. He hastened to interfere.
"Madam," said he, in a low voice, "have you still confidence in me?"