CHAPTER XXVII.
The King Visits Raoul.
I shall not soon forget the day the Court left Gien. Mazarin had keptme fully employed until a late hour on the previous evening, anddirectly after breakfast I went to spend a last five minutes withRaoul. Turenne had given orders that he should be well lodged, and theKing's own surgeons had attended to dress his wounds. The news of hisgallant exploit had quickly spread abroad, and numerous luxuries hadbeen forwarded to the sick room from the royal table.
Happily his hurts were not serious, a gash across his sword-arm beingthe worst, but he could dress himself with the assistance of Pillot,whom I had sent to wait on him, though he had to let the right sleeveof his tunic hang empty. Pillot had finished dressing him when Ientered, and Raoul exclaimed with a laugh, "I shall be sorry when yougo, Albert; I shall lose an admirable valet."
"We move at once," I answered, "but Pillot will remain here till youcan manage without his assistance. Is it not so, Pillot?"
"Certainly, monsieur, if M. Beauchamp permits."
"Why," exclaimed Raoul, smiling, "as to that I should be very pleased,but how will M. de Lalande manage?"
"Look after himself," said I. "The change will do me good; I have beengrowing lazy of late. Listen! What a hubbub in the street! Some oneis coming up the stairs. Run to the door, Pillot, and see who ourvisitor is."
The dwarf had just crossed the room when there was a knock at the door,and an officer high in the royal household entered.
"M. Beauchamp," said he, glancing round with a smile, "I congratulateyou on your good fortune. His most gracious Majesty is below, withMarshal Turenne, who has sung your praises so loudly that, beforeleaving Gien, His Majesty insisted on coming to visit you."
Never in all my life had I felt such a thrill of joy as at these words.The King was coming to visit Raoul! My heart beat fast at the sound offootsteps on the stairs, and I bubbled over with happy excitement asthe famous soldier and the royal boy made their appearance.
"M. Beauchamp," exclaimed the Marshal, "His Majesty has heard of yourbrave deeds, and has done you the honour of paying you a visit beforehe leaves Gien."
Raoul bowed respectfully, speaking just the words required, and acting,in short, as a French gentleman should, who is honoured by hismonarch's approval.
[Transcriber's note: illustration missing from book]
I watched the young King closely. He was a handsome lad, and, thoughnot forgetting his regal dignity, he spoke from his heart with all ahigh-spirited boy's emotion.
"Monsieur," said he, "to the soldier honoured by the greatest generalin Europe, a king's gift can have little value. Yet keep this inremembrance of this day, and if ever the need should arise for yourmonarch's favour, it shall prove a sure passport."
"Keep this in remembrance of this day."]
As he spoke he took a star set with brilliants from his own breast, andfastened it on Raoul's.
Bowing low, my comrade spoke his thanks like a gallant knight, and thenthe royal boy, flushing with pleasure at his own kindly act, andbidding Raoul recover his strength soon, took his departure,accompanied by the Marshal.
"Well done, Raoul!" I cried, "now your fortune is assured. That starwill carry you to the very highest position in the days to come. Iwish Humphreys had been here to share our pleasure."
"What is it?" cried a cheery voice from the door. "Do you know theKing is in the street?"
"Yes," said I, pointing to the star on Raoul's breast, "he has beenhere, and that is what he has left behind."
"Hurrah!" cried the Englishman. "Bravo, Raoul! You deserve your luckif any one does."
"I owe the honour to Marshal Turenne's considerate kindness."
"And to something else! The Marshal doesn't escort young Louis roundgiving brilliants to every one who was in the battle! I suppose youhave heard we are moving again? Conde has left his army and gone toParis. I really believe the war will not last much longer."
"I hope not," said I heartily; "if it does, the country will be ruinedcompletely."
"Conde and his friends are to blame for that. But I must be off now; Iam baggage-minder-in-chief to the Court."
"It must be a terrible responsibility having to look after the ladies'dresses," laughed Raoul.
"Don't be in too great a hurry to take the field," advised Humphreys,as we wished him good-bye. "That is a nasty gash on the sword-arm, andwill require some time to heal. Does Pillot stay behind? Ah! Icongratulate you, Beauchamp; he is a capital nurse. See that M.Beauchamp is quite well before he leaves, Pillot."
"Monsieur will find that I shall do my best," exclaimed the little man,and then with a last farewell to Raoul, Humphreys and I took ourdeparture.
Nothing of any consequence occurred during the next fortnight. TheCourt removed to St. Germain, and the army to Palisseau, but, beyond askirmish or two, there was no fighting. As usual, however, there wereplenty of rumours, and every man had a different story to relate ofwhat was going on. As to Mazarin, he spent his days, and nights too,in writing and reading innumerable notes, and in interviewingmysterious people.
One evening, having for a wonder no duties to perform, I strolled overto the palace for a chat with Humphreys.
"Have you heard the latest news?" he asked, and, as I shook my head,added laughingly, "it is not a rumour but a fact. Turenne has doubledback on Etampes, and has shut up the bulk of the rebels there. It willbe a grand stroke if he captures the town."
"Is Conde there?"
"I think not. Most accounts state that he is still in Paris. A luckything you took the ladies away; the city, according to some of theQueen's friends who have just crept out, is in a frightful state. Thepeople are up in arms, and the mob is burning and plundering on allsides."
"What is the Duke of Orleans doing?"
"Making up his mind and altering it again; he has no leisure foranything else. Mazarin seems to have been busy lately."
"Spoiling paper! there will be soon none left in the kingdom. WhileTurenne is fighting, the Cardinal is driving bargains."
"Ah!" exclaimed my comrade scornfully, "the truth is, it is every manfor himself and the country can go to the dogs."
About a week after this conversation with Humphreys, M. Belloc orderedme to be at the Cardinal's room at four o'clock the next morning.
"Have your horse ready, and in good trim, as I believe you have a longjourney."
"Not as far as Bruhl, I hope?"
"No," said he with a smile; "I think none of us will need to return toBruhl in a hurry, though it is difficult to prophesy. However, see toyour horse, and then get off to bed. The Cardinal will expect you atthe very second."
By this time I was well aware of Mazarin's crotchets, and took care topresent myself at the proper time. His secretary opened the door, andadmitted me into his master's room. Whether Mazarin ever went to bedat this period of his life I cannot say, but he always gave me theimpression that he could live without sleep. There he was at fouro'clock, in dressing gown and slippers, writing with no sign ofweariness whatever.
"Is your horse saddled, M. de Lalande?" he asked, without stopping ortaking his eyes from the paper.
"Yes, your Eminence."
"Very good. Here is a little document; put it away safely. It is forMarshal Turenne, and it must be given to him this evening. He is atEtampes, or rather in the neighbourhood. Do not lose the missive,though it is less important than some you have carried."
"Do I return at once, your Eminence?"
"That will depend on Marshal Turenne. You will place yourself underhis orders. And now, a prosperous ride to you."
M. Belloc, who had placed my horse in care of a soldier, was waitingoutside. He evidently knew the nature of my errand, and, as I mounted,wished me a quick and pleasant journey.
"The country is fairly clear," he said, "and there is not much chanceof meeting with an enemy. Still, it will be as well to keep your eyesopen."
"I will," said I, t
hinking of my journey to Bruhl, and of thesmooth-spoken Captain Courcy.
There was, however, little cause for alarm, the only soldiers Iencountered being King's troops. At Limours, where I intended to stopfor an hour or two, the inns were filled with them, and I found somedifficulty in getting my horse stabled. The inn at which I at lengthstopped was the Golden Fleece, and even there every room was occupied.
"I am grieved," exclaimed the innkeeper, a portly man with rubicundface, "but monsieur can have a table for his refreshment, and he willnot find the guests objectionable."
Opening a door, he ushered me into an apartment where three men sat.Two of them were evidently in company; the third, rather to myastonishment, was Pillot, who, glancing up at my entrance, rose togreet me.
"You have left Gien then?" I said. "Where is M. Beauchamp?"
"In the camp before Etampes, monsieur. He has recovered from hiswounds, and has returned to his squadron. I offered to stay with him awhile longer, but he preferred that I should join you."
"When did you leave him?"
"This morning, monsieur."
As there was no need to take Pillot with me, I ordered him to remain atthe inn until my return, which would probably be the next day.
"Very well, monsieur," said he pleasantly.
As soon as my horse was sufficiently rested I resumed my journey,telling Pillot he might expect me at any hour of the day or night. Iwas sorry Raoul had left Gien, though pleased at the prospect of seeinghim at Etampes, and, but for the strangeness attending our meeting, Ishould have entirely passed over the episode of this otherwiseuneventful ride.
Marshal Turenne was inspecting the position of a battery when I foundhim, but he instantly opened and read the Cardinal's note.
"Hum!" said he, knitting his brows, "this is a serious matter, andrequires thought. You will remain in the camp until I am ready tofurnish his Eminence with an answer. You have friends among mygentlemen?"
"M. Beauchamp is my chief friend, general."
"Ah! I remember you now. I saw you at Blenau and again at Gien.Well, you cannot do better than spend an hour or two with M.Beauchamp," and he directed one of his attendants to conduct me toRaoul's tent.
"Albert!" exclaimed my comrade, jumping up in surprise. "How came youhere? Ah! I forgot! You are on the Cardinal's business?"
"Yes, but I met Pillot at Limours, and he told me you had rejoined yoursquadron. I hope you did not leave Gien too soon?"
"No, I am quite strong again, and I could not lie there doing nothing."
Now, I do not pretend to explain his behaviour at that time, or themystery which followed; my readers must judge for themselves after Ihave stated the facts. That something had altered my old comrade verymuch was plain. He had lost his high spirits, and replied to mysallies with only a half-hearted smile. When I rallied him on thisgloomy fit he dismissed the subject hastily, leading me to talk of JohnHumphreys and what the Court was doing at St. Germain.
I had been with him an hour or a little more when an officer broughtword that Marshal Turenne desired to see M. Beauchamp immediately.
"Stay where you are, Albert, and make yourself comfortable," heexclaimed. "It is an order for some piece of special service perhaps;the Marshal is always planning a fresh surprise."
Left alone, I began wondering more than ever at the remarkable changewhich had come over him. He was as keen as ever to perform his duties,but the quick, bright smile, the joyous laugh, the old boyish merrimenthad vanished.
"He is weak from his wounds," I thought; "he should have stayed longerat Gien, and let Pillot nurse him. Perhaps he will throw off thisgloomy air as he gets stronger."
At the end of half-an-hour he returned, and I concluded by his mannerthat the Marshal had entrusted him with some important business.
"Another expedition," I said, springing up. "Take care, Raoul, thepitcher may go to the well once too often."
"It matters little, dear friend, but at present there is no need foralarm. Do you know what was in that packet from the Cardinal? Condehas won over the Duke of Lorraine, who is marching on Paris with alarge army. Turenne intends to break up his camp and attack the Duke."
"That will be awkward; we shall be placed between two fires."
"Trust to Turenne; he understands his business. A few troops will stayhere for a day or two. Meanwhile, we march light; we shall strike ourblow at Lorraine, and then the rest of our army will rejoin us."
"Leaving Conde's troops to slip out of Etampes!"
"So much the better; they will be compelled to fight in the open."
"Are you riding with the Marshal?"
"In front of him. He has selected my squadron to scour the country inadvance. It will be a change from camp life. Now, I must go; we shallmeet again soon."
"I hope so!"
"It is certain," he answered calmly, "the stars have foretold it."
I looked at him in surprise, and said, "You were not used to put yourfaith in the stars, Raoul!"
"No," he answered, dreamily, "but I have learned much of late. Do youremember the open space before the Porte St. Antoine? It is there weshall meet. I hear the roar of cannon, the rattle of muskets, thehoof-beats of horses, the fierce shouts of struggling men. I see----Ah well, dear friend, it is not long to wait!"
I tried to detain him, to make him speak more plainly, but he would saynothing further, and, leaving the tent, we walked in silence to thelines farthest from Etampes. Raoul's horsemen were already there, andpresently Turenne himself, attended by two officers, rode up. In a fewstirring words he addressed the troopers, bidding them justify hischoice, and speaking in high terms of their young leader. Then he gaveRaoul his final instructions, and my friend pressed my hand in a lastgrasp.
"_Au revoir!_" said he quietly. "Remember the Porte St. Antoine!"
I stood for a while watching the weird scene as the troopers filed offsilently, and in perfect order. Raoul, who had placed himself at theirhead, was soon out of sight, but I could not banish his strange wordsfrom my mind.
"Remember the Porte St. Antoine!" What did he mean? Why had hementioned that particular spot as the scene of our meeting? What wasthe strange vision at which he had hinted? Alas! I understood later,but even to this day the manner of his foreknowledge remains a mystery.
"Is that M. de Lalande?"
Starting from my dream, I found it was Marshal Turenne who addressedme, and saluting, I answered his question.
"Come to me at daybreak," he said; "I wish to send a letter by you toCardinal Mazarin," and he galloped off, the two officers following.
Returning to Raoul's tent--for the troopers had left every thingstanding--I lay down, and tried, though unsuccessfully, to sleep. Mycomrade's mysterious speech haunted me; I could make nothing of it, andit was with a feeling of relief that I saw the day open. Havinggroomed and fed my horse, I went to the Marshal's tent. The famoussoldier had the note written, but he made me stay while his servantprepared a simple breakfast, to which we both sat down. Then, sendinga man for my horse, he wished me a safe journey, and I rode from thecamp as the troops began to stir.
Pillot was waiting for me at Etampes, and I questioned him closelyconcerning Raoul.
"It is true that M. Beauchamp has changed much," said he; "I noticed itat Gien."
"Was there any reason for it?"
"Ah, monsieur, it is hard to tell. For a week after you left Gien, M.Beauchamp was bright and cheerful as usual, and planning great thingsfor you and himself. Then, one evening, on going to his room, I foundhim lying down, fully dressed. He seemed to be asleep."
"Seemed to be?" I interrupted crossly, "could you not make sure?"
"He did not hear me, monsieur, and he did not answer when I spoke, buthis eyes were open and bright. Presently, as I stood in a corner ofthe room, he began talking as if to some person. Then suddenly hesprang up, his face was white, and his eyes stared as if they had seensomething dreadful, and he trembled all over. I called h
is name, andhe glanced round in a frightened way as if surprised to find himself ina room."
"Did he make any remark?"
"He said he had been dreaming, and made me take him into the street toclear the cobwebs from his brain. I think the same dream came againafterwards, but he would not speak of it, though once I heard himmutter to himself, 'It was the Porte St. Antoine!'"
"The Porte St. Antoine?" I cried, more astonished than ever; "that iswhere he declared I should meet him next!"
"There are many strange things for which we cannot account, monsieur!"exclaimed Pillot--a remark which, though true enough, gave me smallcomfort.
The little man did his best to cheer me, but it was a dreary ridenotwithstanding, and he must have been glad when towards evening wereached St. Germain. Having given Mazarin the Marshal's note, andfinding the time at my own disposal, I went to seek Humphreys.
"Well, my friend, so you have returned," exclaimed the jovialEnglishman. "You look tired and troubled. Is anything wrong?"
"I have seen Raoul."
"That should not have depressed you! So he is back with the army? Ithought he would not stay quiet long."
"It is on Raoul's account I am uneasy," I replied, and without moreado, described the change that had come over him, and repeated hismysterious words.
"A bagatelle!" declared Humphreys, "a mere trifle! He has been moping,and has got queer fancies into his head; sick people often do. Thinkno more of it, that is my advice; in a week he will be laughing at hisdreams. The jingle of spurs and the blare of trumpets will soon driveaway those notions."
"I am not so certain of that, my friend. Besides, he is not sufferingfrom his wound now; he has recovered his strength."
"Of body, I grant you; and when his mind becomes clearer, thesewhimseys will vanish like ghosts at cock-crow."
The Englishman seemed so sure, and spoke so confidently, that while inhis company I felt half inclined to smile at my childish ideas; butlater, in the solitude of my own room, they did not appear so childish.The notion that Raoul was in some danger had disturbed my brain, andseveral times during the night I awoke with a start, fancying I heardhim call my name.