and bravery by which, with altogether insufficient forces -- raised,
equipped and paid to a large extent from his private purse -- he
had for two years guarded the Rhine frontier from invasion by the
united forces of Bavaria and Austria. Hector's regiment had been
left at Philippsburg when Turenne marched away; but the marshal
told him that there was no occasion whatever for him to remain
with it during the winter. He thought indeed that it would be
advantageous that he should pay a short visit to Paris, present
himself to Mazarin, and then go down and see how matters fared with
the estate, to which he had paid but a flying visit. He therefore
set out without delay, Turenne entrusting him with some despatches
to the cardinal.

"They are of no great importance," he said, "but it is always well
for an officer returning to Paris to carry despatches with him. It
shows that he has the hearty approval of his commander in leaving
his post for a while, and that he has distinguished himself in
a special degree to be thus selected. I have several times in my
despatches had occasion to speak of the excellent service rendered
by your regiment, and it will ensure you a good reception at court.
Besides, Mazarin is evidently disposed to regard you with special
favour, and an occasional visit keeps that feeling alive, whereas
it naturally cools down after a prolonged absence. Therefore in
every respect it is as well that you should show yourself in Paris
for a short time before going down to Poitou, where I hear there
have been some troublesome risings of the peasantry. The province,
being broken and hilly for the most part, offers considerable
advantages to irregular forces, who move unencumbered with baggage,
and against whom cavalry cannot well act. I do not know that any of
these troubles have occurred in the neighbourhood of your estate,