Guitaut crossed the river in the Isson ferry-boat, and soon returned, to say that the house was unoccupied save by a sort of intendant, who said that it belonged to Monsieur le Duc d'Épernon, and was altogether at her Majesty's service. "Let us go thither, in that case," said the queen; "but where is the king?" The little fellow was found to have ridden apart a short distance; he returned when he heard them calling him, and although he tried to hide his tears, it was very evident that he had been weeping. "What's the matter, sire?" the queen asked him. "Oh! nothing, madame," the child replied, "except that some day I shall be king, and then--woe to them who have injured me!" "What is the governor's name?" the queen inquired. No one was able to tell her, until they asked the question of the ferryman, who replied that his name was Richon. "'Tis well," said the queen. "I will remember that name." "And so will I," said the young king. XV. About a hundred men of the king's household crossed the Dordogne with their Majesties; the others remained with Monsieur de La Meilleraie, who, having decided to besiege Vayres, was awaiting the arrival of the army. The queen was no sooner installed in the little house--which, thanks to Nanon's luxurious tastes, she found infinitely more habitable than she anticipated--than Guitaut waited upon her to say that an officer, who claimed to have important matters to discuss with her, requested the honor of an audience. "Who is the man?" demanded the queen. "Captain Cauvignac, madame." "Is he of my army?" "I do not think it." "Ascertain that fact, and if he is not of my army, say that I cannot receive him." "I crave your Majesty's pardon for venturing to differ with you on that point," said Mazarin, "but it seems to me that if he is not of your army, that is the very best of reasons for receiving him." "Why so?" "Because, if he is of your Majesty's army, and seeks an audience, he cannot be other than a faithful subject; whereas, if he belongs to the enemy's army, he may be a traitor. At this moment, madame, traitors are not to be despised, for they may be extremely useful." "Admit him," said the queen, "since Monsieur le Cardinal so advises." The captain was at once introduced, and presented himself with an easy and assured demeanor which amazed the queen, accustomed as she was to produce a far different effect upon all who approached her. She eyed Cauvignac from head to foot, but he sustained the royal scrutiny with marvellous self-possession. "Who are you, monsieur?" said she. "Captain Cauvignac," was the reply. "In whose service are you?" "I am in your Majesty's service, if such be your pleasure." "If such be my pleasure? Surely! Indeed, is there any other service in the kingdom? Are there two queens in France?"