received honours far beyond anything I deserve. I had the honour
when thanking your majesty, to hope some day to be able to give
proof that they were not unworthily bestowed, and still hope to
do so."

"You have already shown yourself worthy," the queen said, "by the
manner in which you have in so short a time rendered the regiment
to which we appointed you so efficient. However, if there is at
present no boon that we can bestow, then remember that the Queen
of France holds herself your debtor, and that you have my royal
word that any boon that you may hereafter ask for, that is in my
power to grant, will be given you. Take this as a pledge of my
promise." And she took off a gold chain exquisitely worked, and
gave it him. He received it kneeling. "Now, sir, we will keep you
here no longer. I have much to say to his excellency. I trust
that you will present yourself at the levee this evening."

"One thing more, colonel," Mazarin added; "I doubt not that some of
Beaufort's people will endeavour to find out how it was that you
came to be behind my carriage. If they do so you might carelessly
mention that you and your officers had ridden out in a party at
St. Germain, and that on your way back you chanced to fall in with
my carriage."

At the barracks Hector called the officers together. "Gentlemen,"
he said, "I have no doubt that your little ride today has somewhat
puzzled you. I am not at liberty to tell you the reason why I
requested you to ride with me; but it is very probable that you
may be asked the question, and I beg you all to remember that we
have been on a little party of pleasure to St. Germain, and having