entered the court of that chateau which his predecessor had built for him at Rueil; as he alighted, Comminges approached him.

“My lord,” he asked, “where does your eminence wish Monsieur Comte de la Fere to be lodged?”

“In the pavilion of the orangery, of course, in front of the pavilion where the guard is.

I wish every respect to be shown the count, although he is the prisoner of her majesty the queen.”

“My lord,” answered Comminges, “he begs to be taken to the place where Monsieur d’Artagnan is confined — that is, in the hunting lodge, opposite the orangery.”

Mazarin thought for an instant.