D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

38 The Atlas. foresight and daring, but how long would the recovery hold good? | This time the doctors would not foretell, and he was of the modern school of rulers who did not have re- course to astrologers. He called the captain of the Royal Musketeers to his private study. With soldiers, the governor had always frankness, as far as he chose to go. “M. d’Artagnan,” began ‘he, with that tenderness which he entertained, or at least manifested toward con- temporaries of his brilliant days when he sought fame as a poet, a dancer and a singer, his model rather a Rizzio than a Strafford, “we have beaten back the Doubleheaded Eagle and the Lion of Castile. Each is preparing for another dash at us, but we must cripple them. France needs suspense from this incessant war—it must recuper- ate, also! A young king may follow, and we know from the prophets what his reign will be.” “Tt is plain, my lord, that, for a space, there is nothing at home for soldiers to do.” “Right, not for those of your youth and unsapped ac- tivity. You should take the vacation so long merited.” “YT thank your lordship, but never have I applied for leave of absence. J am at home in the barrack or by the door of my king. My father, at the paternal fireside, is in good health for his age. My friends, retired from the army, are enjoying their reward. My pay is in arrears, it is true, and the long-projected project of a household brigade is still in abeyance—but I can live on a handful of gleanings, and your highness’ esteemed favor. I have not written in for a holiday.”’ “A servant of the realm must obey orders, to rest as well as to act,” returned the cardinal-duke, smoothing down his gray chin-tuft with his rare smile, which covered usually hidden meaning. “I desire you to repose—in an- ticipation of a busy time to succeed—in which you will succeed! all your wants will be filled—all your wits re- quired.” “In this case, your Eminence, I will most readily obey and repose!” replied the young captain, taking the ball on the bound. CORNIC OOO) KS,(E)