LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. 115 "Nothing can possibly be more likely; really. Monsieur de Manicamp, you are wrong in placing so little confidence in your own eloquence, and you can tell a story most admirably." "Your majesty is exceedingly kind," said Manicamp, saluting him in the most embarrassed manner.
- 'From this day henceforth, I will prohibit any gentle-
man attached to my court going to a similar encounter. Eeally, one might Just as well permit dueling." Manicamp started, and moved as if he were about to withdraw. "Is your majesty satisfied?" he inquired. "Delighted; but do not withdraw yet, Monsieur de Mani- camp," said Louis; "I have something to say to you." "Well, well!" thought D'Artagnan, "there is another who is not up to our mark;" and he uttered a sigh which might signify, "Oh! the men of our stamp, where are they now?" At this moment an usher lifted up the curtain before the door, and announced the king's physician. "Ah!" exclaimed Louis, "here comes Monsieur Valot, who has just been to see Monsieur de Guiche. We shall now hear news of the wounded man." Manicamp felt more uncomfortable than ever. "In this way, at least," added the king, "our conscience will be quite clear." And he looked at D'Artagnan, who did not seem in the slightest degree discomposed. CHAPTEK XVIII. THE PHTSICIAK. M. Valot entered. The position of the different persons present was precisely the same; the king was seated, St. Aignan still leaning over the back of his armchair, D'Ar- tagnan with his back against the wall, and Manicamp still standing. "Well, Monsieur Valot," said the king, "have you obeyed my directions?" "With the greatest alacrity, sire." "You went to the doctor's house in Fontainebleau?" "Yes, sire." "And you found Monsieur de Guiche there?**
