Louis XIII ’s confidential valet, who never left the door, entered in reply to the call.
“La Chesnaye,” said the king, “let someone go instantly and find M. de la Trémouille; I wish to speak with him this evening.”
“Your Majesty gives me your word that you will not see anyone between M. de la Trémouille and myself?”
“Nobody, by the faith of a gentleman.”
“Tomorrow, then, sire?”
“Tomorrow, Monsieur.”
“At what o’clock, please Your Majesty?”
“At any hour you will.”
“But in coming too early I should be afraid of awakening Your Majesty.”
“Awaken me! Do you think I ever sleep, then? I sleep no longer, Monsieur. I sometimes dream, that’s all. Come, then, as early as you like—at seven o’clock; but beware, if you and your musketeers are guilty.”
“If my musketeers are guilty, sire, the guilty shall be placed in Your Majesty’s hands, who will dispose of them at your good pleasure. Does Your Majesty require anything further? Speak, I am ready to obey.”
“No, Monsieur, no; I am not called Louis the Just without reason. Tomorrow, then, Monsieur—tomorrow.”
“Till then, God preserve Your Majesty!”