“Mademoiselle de la Valliere does not love M. de Bragelonne,” said the king, hoarsely.

“Does your majesty know that to be the case?” remarked Athos, with a searching look.

“I do know it.”

“Since a very short time, then; for doubtless, had your majesty known it when I first preferred my request, you would have taken the trouble to inform me of it.”

“Since a very short time, it is true, monsieur.”

Athos remained silent for a moment, and then resumed: “In that case, I do not understand why your majesty should have sent M.

de Bragelonne to London. That exile, and most properly so, too, is a matter of astonishment to every one who regards your majesty’s