"Much nearer, monseigneur; his majesty must by this time
have arrived at Meung."

"Does the court accompany him?"

"Yes, monseigneur."

"A propos, I forgot to ask you after M. le Cardinal."

"His eminence appears to enjoy good health, monseigneur."

"His nieces accompany him, no doubt?"

"No, monseigneur, his eminence has ordered the
Mesdemoiselles de Mancini to set out for Brouage. They will
follow the left bank of the Loire, while the court will come
by the right."

"What! Mademoiselle Mary de Mancini quit the court in that
manner?" asked Monsieur, his reserve beginning to diminish.

"Mademoiselle Mary de Mancini in particular," replied Raoul
discreetly.

A fugitive smile, an imperceptible vestige of his ancient
spirit of intrigue, shot across the pale face of the prince.

"Thanks, M. de Bragelonne," then said Monsieur. "You would,
perhaps, not be willing to carry M. le Prince the commission
with which I would charge you, and that is, that his