"In the service of the princes, the king's enemies!" cried the honest fellow, more and more amazed; "then why did you ask me if I loved his Majesty?" "Because, monsieur, if you did not love the king, if you had accused the queen or blasphemed against Monsieur de Mazarin, I should not have dreamed of disturbing you; in that case you would have been sacred to me as a brother." "But, monsieur, I am not a slave; I am not a serf." "No, monsieur, you are a soldier; that is to say, you have it in your power to become a captain like myself, or a marshal of France like Monsieur de Turenne." "Monsieur, I have had a large amount of experience of courts in my life." "Ah! so much the worse, monsieur, so much the worse! it's a wretched habit to get into, this going to law. I never did any of it myself; it may have been because I studied for the bar." "But by having so many lawsuits I have learned the laws of the kingdom." "There are great numbers of them. You know, monsieur, that from the _Pandects_ of Justinian down to the decree of Parliament, which provided, apropos of the death of Maréchal d'Ancre, that no foreigner should ever be first minister of France, there have been eighteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-two laws, to say nothing of ordinances; but there are privileged brains which have an astounding memory; Pico della Mirandole spoke twelve languages at eighteen. What good has your knowledge of these laws ever done you, monsieur?" "The good of knowing that people are not to be kidnapped on the high-road without warrant." "I have such warrant, monsieur, and here it is." "From Madame la Princesse?" "From her Highness in person." And Cauvignac respectfully raised his hat. "Then there are two kings in France?" cried the tradesman. "Even so, monsieur; that is why I do myself the honor of asking you to accord your preference to mine, and why I deem it my duty to enlist you in my service." "Monsieur, I will appeal to the Parliament." "There's a third king, and you will probably have occasion to serve it as well. Our politics are built upon broad lines! Forward, monsieur!" "But it's impossible, monsieur; I have an appointment upon important business." "Where?" "At Orléans." "With whom?" "My attorney." "What is the business?" "It concerns certain financial transactions." "The service of the State should be every man's first business, monsieur." "Can't the State do without me?" "We relied upon you, and we should miss you, in good sooth! However, if, as you say, money matters occasion your visit to Orléans--" "Yes, monsieur, money matters." "How much money is concerned?" "Four thousand livres." "Which you are going to receive?" "No, which I am going to pay." "To your attorney?" "Even so, monsieur." "On account of a lawsuit?" "On account of a lawsuit lost." "'Pon my word, this deserves consideration. Four thousand livres!" "Four thousand livres."