"If you had not been my mother, madame, I must have cursed you for the
misery you have caused me."
D'Artagnan overheard, and a shiver of pity passed through him. He
bowed respectfully to the young prince, and said:--
"Forgive me, monseigneur; I am only a soldier, and my faith is due to
him who has left us."
"Thank you, M. D'Artagnan. But what has become of M. D'Herblay?"
"M. D'Herblay is safe, monseigneur," answered a voice behind them;
"and while I am alive and free, not a hair of his head shall be hurt."
"M. Fouquet!" said the prince, smiling sadly.
"Forgive me, monseigneur," cried Fouquet, falling on his knees; "but
he who has left the room was my guest."
"Ah!" murmured Philippe to himself with a sigh, "you are loyal friends
and true hearts. You make me regret the world I am leaving. M.
D'Artagnan, I will follow you."
As he spoke, Colbert entered and handed to the captain of the
musketeers an order from the King; then bowed, and went out.
D'Artagnan glanced at the paper, and in a sudden burst of wrath
crumpled it in his hand.
"What is the matter?" asked the prince.
"Read it, monseigneur," answered the musketeer.