"It means, your Majesty," said Aramis, stepping forward, "that your
conduct as a married man is highly improper. I am an Abbe, and I
object to these improprieties. My friends here, D'Artagnan, Athos,
and Porthos, pure-minded young men, are also terribly shocked.
Observe, sire, how they blush!"

Athos, Porthos, and D'Artagnan blushed. "Ah," said the King,
thoughtfully. "You teach me a lesson. You are devoted and noble
young gentlemen, but your only weakness is your excessive modesty.
From this moment I make you all Marshals and Dukes, with the
exception of Aramis."

"And me, sire?" said Aramis.

"You shall be an Archbishop!"

The four friends looked up and then rushed into each other's arms.
The King embraced Louise de la Valliere, by way of keeping them
company. A pause ensued. At last Athos spoke:--

"Swear, my children, that, next to yourselves, you will respect--
the King of France; and remember that 'Forty years after' we will
meet again."



THE DWELLER OF THE THRESHOLD.

BY SIR ED--D L--TT--N B--LW--R.