with such things, that in the intelligent eye of the fallen
king, in the nobility of his whole person, a nobility
apparent above all his miseries, I could discern the stuff
of a man and the heart of a king."

Planchet tacitly approved of all this; but it did not at
all, in his eyes at least, throw any light upon D'Artagnan's
idea. The latter continued: "This, then, is the reasoning
which I made with myself. Listen attentively, Planchet, for
we are coming to the conclusion."

"I am listening."

"Kings are not so thickly sown upon the earth, that people
can find them whenever they want them. Now, this king
without a kingdom is, in my opinion, a grain of seed which
will blossom in some season or other, provided a skillful,
discreet, and vigorous hand sow it duly and truly, selecting
soil, sky, and time."

Planchet still approved by a nod of his head, which showed
that he did not perfectly comprehend all that was said.

"`Poor little seed of a king,' said I to myself, and really
I was affected, Planchet, which leads me to think I am
entering upon a foolish business. And that is why I wished
to consult you, my friend."

Planchet colored with pleasure and pride.