“Well, sire, for once he found his master.”

“I will see this young man, Treville — I will see him; and if anything can be done — well, we will make it our business.”

“When will your Majesty deign to receive him?”

“Tomorrow, at midday, Treville.”

“Shall I bring him alone?”

“No, bring me all four together. I wish to thank them all at once. Devoted men are so rare, Treville, by the back staircase. It is useless to let the cardinal know.”

“Yes, sire.”

“You understand, Treville — an edict is still an edict, it is forbidden to fight, after all.”