A young gentleman, well worth a second glance from the admirers of youthful manhood, was waiting in the antechamber of the royal cabinet for the appearance of the king. This young noble was about five-and-twenty. He was tall and slender, though strong, and wore with gracefulness the attractive military dress of the reign of King Louis XIV. just opening. His huge funnel-top boots enclosed feet which a fine court lady might have coveted, if she meant to disguise herself as a boy. One of his fine and nervous hands held his long-plumed hat which left bare his grave and open countenance.
At length the study door opened, and the young king perceived, through the open doorway, who was waiting.
"Let the Viscount de Bragelonne approach," he said. "What do you wish?"
"Sire," replied the viscount, advancing, "I crave an audience for the Count de la Fere, who comes from Blois with a strong desire to see your majesty."
The Count de la Fere, known in the previous reign as a Royal Musketeer under the fighting name of "Athos," had recently played no mean part in the restoration of King Charles II. on the English throne: and the French sovereign, whose brother had but lately wedded the sister of the "Merry Monarch," wished well to his valiant subject who had done so much for royalty. He knew, too, that the count was the father of the suitor, though the paternity was not avowed.
"I have an hour to spare before my card-play and my supper," said Louis. "Is the Lord of La Fere at hand?"
Five minutes afterwards Athos entered the presence. He was received with that gracious kindness of manner which Louis, with a tact beyond his years, reserved for the purpose of gaining those not conquered by ordinary favours. "Let me hope, count," said the king, "that you have come to ask me for something."
