Chapter 58

Chapter LVIII:
King and Noble.

The king endeavored to recover his self-possession as quickly as
possible, in order to meet M. de la Fere with an untroubled countenance.
He clearly saw it was not mere chance that had induced the comte's visit,
he had some vague impression of its importance; but he felt that to a man
of Athos's tone of mind, to one of such a high order of intellect, his
first reception ought not to present anything either disagreeable or
otherwise than kind and courteous. As soon as the king had satisfied
himself that, as far as appearances went, he was perfectly calm again, he
gave directions to the ushers to introduce the comte. A few minutes
afterwards Athos, in full court dress, and with his breast covered with
the orders that he alone had the right to wear at the court of France,
presented himself with so grave and solemn an air that the king
perceived, at the first glance, that he was not deceived in his
anticipations. Louis advanced a step towards the comte, and, with a
smile, held out his hand to him, over which Athos bowed with the air of
the deepest respect.

"Monsieur le Comte de la Fere," said the king rapidly, "you are so seldom
here, that it is a real piece of good fortune to see you."

Athos bowed and replied, "I should wish always to enjoy the happiness of
being near your majesty."

The tone, however, in which this reply was conveyed, evidently signified,
"I should wish to be one of your majesty's advisers, to save you the
commission of faults." The king felt it so, and determined in this man's
presence to preserve all the advantages which could be derived from his
command over himself, as well as from his rank and position.

"I see you have something to say to me," he said.

"Had it not been so, I should not have presumed to present myself before
your majesty."

"Speak quickly, I am anxious to satisfy you," returned the king, seating
himself.

"I am persuaded," replied Athos, in a somewhat agitated tone of voice,
"that your majesty will give me every satisfaction."

"Ah!" said the king, with a certain haughtiness of manner, "you have come
to lodge a complaint here, then?"

"It would be a complaint," returned Athos, "only in the event of your
majesty - but if you will deign to permit me, sire, I will begin the
conversation from the very commencement."

"Do so, I am listening."

"Your majesty will remember that at the period of the Duke of
Buckingham's departure, I had the honor of an interview with you."

"At or about that period, I think I remember you did; only, with regard
to the subject of the conversation, I have quite forgotten it."

Athos started, as he replied. "I shall have the honor to