Grimaud thereupon presented himself with his smooth exterior at the donjon of Vincennes. Now Monsieur de Chavigny piqued himself on his infallible penetration; for that which almost proved that he was the son of Richelieu was his everlasting pretension; he examined attentively the countenance of the applicant for place and fancied that the contracted eyebrows, thin lips, hooked nose, and prominent cheek-bones of Grimaud were favorable signs. He addressed about twelve words to him; Grimaud answered in four. “Here’s a promising fellow and it is I who have found out his merits,” said Monsieur de Chavigny. “Go,” he added, “and make yourself agreeable to Monsieur la Ramee, and tell him that you suit me in all respects.” Grimaud had every quality that could attract a man on duty who wishes to have a deputy. So, after a thousand questions which met with only a word in reply, La Ramee, fascinated by this sobriety in speech, rubbed his hands and engaged Grimaud. “My orders?” asked Grimaud. “They are these; never to leave the prisoner alone; to keep away from him every pointed or cutting instrument, and to prevent his conversing any length of time with the keepers.” “Those are all?” asked Grimaud. “All now,” replied La Ramee. “Good,” answered Grimaud; and he went right to the prisoner. The duke was in the act of combing his beard, which he had allowed to grow, as well as his hair, in order to reproach Mazarin with his wretched appearance and condition. But having some days previously seen from the top of the donjon Madame de Montbazon pass in her carriage, and still cherishing an affection for that beautiful woman, he did not wish to be to her what he wished to be to Mazarin, and in the hope of seeing her again, had asked for a leaden comb, which was allowed him. The comb was to be a leaden one, because his beard, like that of most fair people, was rather red; he therefore dyed it thus whilst combing it. As Grimaud entered he saw this comb on the tea-table; he took it up, and as he took it he made a low bow. The duke looked at this strange figure with surprise. The figure put the comb in its pocket. “Ho! hey! what’s that?” cried the duke. “Who is this creature?” Grimaud did not answer, but bowed a second time. “Art thou dumb?” cried the duke. Grimaud made a sign that he was not. “What art thou, then? Answer! I command thee!” said the duke. “A keeper,” replied Grimaud. “A keeper!” reiterated the duke; “there was nothing wanting in my collection, except this gallows-bird. Halloo! La Ramee! some one!” La Ramee ran in haste to obey the call. “Who is this wretch who takes my comb and puts it in his pocket?” asked the duke. “One of your guards, my prince; a man of talent and merit, whom you will like, as I and Monsieur de Chavigny do, I am sure.” “Why does he take my comb?” “Why do you take my lord’s comb?” asked La Ramee.