On the other hand, milady’s crimes, her strength of mind, and her infernal genius had more than once terrified him. He felt something like a secret joy at being for ever rid of such a dangerous accomplice.

The cardinal went to the table, and without sitting down, wrote a few lines on a parchment, two-thirds of which was already filled up, and affixed his seal to it.

“Here, sir,” said the cardinal to the young man; “I have taken from you one signed blank, and I give you another. The name is wanting in this commission, and you yourself will write it in.”

D’Artagnan took the paper hesitatingly, and cast his eyes over it.

It was a lieutenant’s commission in the musketeers.

D’Artagnan fell at the cardinal’s feet.

“Monseigneur,” said he, “my life is yours! Henceforward dispose of it. But I do not deserve this favour which you bestow on me. I have three friends who are more meritorious and more worthy—”

“You are an honest fellow, D’Artagnan,” interrupted the cardinal, tapping him familiarly on the shoulder, charmed at having subdued this rebellious nature. “Do with this commission what you will. Only remember that though the name is left blank I give it to you.”

“I shall never forget it,” replied D’Artagnan. “Your Eminence may be certain of that.”

The cardinal turned round and said in a loud voice,

“Rochefort!”

The chevalier, who doubtless was behind the door, entered immediately.

“Rochefort,” said the cardinal, “you see M. d’Artagnan. I receive him among the number of my friends. Shake hands, then, and be prudent, if you wish to preserve your heads.”

Rochefort and D’Artagnan saluted each other distantly, but the cardinal was there observing them with his vigilant eye.

They left the chamber at the same time.

“We shall meet again, shall we not, sir?”

“When you please,” said D’Artagnan.

“An opportunity will offer,” replied Rochefort.

“What’s that?” said the cardinal, opening the door.

The two men smiled at each other, shook hands, and bowed to his Eminence.

“We were beginning to grow impatient,” said Athos.

“Here I am, friends,” replied D’Artagnan—“not only free, but in favour.”

“Will you tell us about it?”

“This evening.”