minutes the queen entered in full gala costume.
Thus dressed she scarcely appeared thirty-five years of age. She was still exceedingly handsome.
“It is you, Monsieur D’Artagnan,” she said, smiling graciously; “I thank you for having insisted on seeing me.”
“I ought to ask your majesty’s pardon, but I wished to receive your commands from your own mouth.”
“Do you accept the commission which I have intrusted to you?”
“With gratitude.”
“Very well, be here at midnight.”
“I will not