D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 321: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

302 The True King. “Jacinta,” interrupted the queen, “are you all alike in your iron-headed family? Are you going to refuse me a boon as your brother thas that of the king?” “Refuse your ladyship anything ?” “Sire,” said the beaming Luisa de Guzman, “I wish formally to present to your majesty the Chevalier de Gan- narta, to whose skill, devotion and prowess great help has been given to this blessed enthronement!’’ “T understand that, upon the sheaf of those services, you gained us valuable time by leading off the road those traitors who might have impeded the ascension !” “Sire,” replied the Gascon, at as much ease as before his own regiment on parade, where he knew every man, “IT have no excuse for plaving the king but that, they say, your majesty suffered no degradation by the personation, since no one perceived its shortcomings.” “You risked your head!” “A soldier does that every day of his service!” “Gentlemen,” said the king, addressing a great audi- ence, for already the flock of high nobility was consider- able, “I ask you, and notably you, my royal lady, what does such daring and devotion deserve ?” ‘They are illimitable, sire!’ answered Luisa; “it is im- Pere even for a monarch, to recompense such deeds " “Then we are all in a quandary! The owner of the pearl must price it! Don Luis de Gannarta, fix your price!” “You will have your castle—in Portugal!’ whispered Porthos, red as a rose at his friend being duly appre- ciated, and forgetting any expectations of his own. “‘Tllimitable, as the queen says,” went on Braganza, let- ting his eyes stray quizically upon the recalcitrant’s sister and then back to D’Artagnan, “yet try!” “Faith!” and the Gascon looked embarrassed for once, “T am afraid that what I crave is out of the power of king and queen!” “Ah!” in surprise. “T see,” said the queen, merrily; “it was not only the head that was at risk, but the heart!” The flame spread from Porthos to his friend, and Donna Jacinta caught the Eomicbooks: co