D’Artagnan bowed as if to take his leave; but, perceiving the king very much embarrassed, “Will you majesty,” said he, stepping two paces forward, “take the court with you?”
“Certainly I shall.”
“Then you majesty will, doubtless, want the musketeers?” And the eye of the king sank beneath the penetrating glance of the captain.
“Take a brigade of them,” replied Louis.
“Is that all? Has your majesty no other orders to give me?”
“No — ah — yes.”
“I am all attention, sire.”
“At the castle of Nantes, which I hear is very ill arranged, you will adopt the practice of placing musketeers at the door of each of the principal dignitaries I shall take with me.”