"I sent you my name by your sergeant, my lord."

"Excuse him, monsieur, he is a Scotchman, -- he could not
retain it."

"I am called the Comte de la Fere, monsieur," said Athos,
bowing.

"The Comte de la Fere?" said Monk, endeavoring to recollect
the name. "Pardon me, monsieur, but this appears to be the
first time I have ever heard that name. Do you fill any post
at the court of France?"

"None; I am a simple gentleman."

"What dignity?"

"King Charles I. made me a knight of the Garter, and Queen
Anne of Austria has given me the cordon of the Holy Ghost.
These are my only dignities."

"The Garter! the Holy Ghost! Are you a knight of those two
orders, monsieur?"

"Yes."

"And on what occasions have such favors been bestowed upon
you?"

"For services rendered to their majesties."