“Hardly a knave, young gallant,” Milady coos, “I would say, a brave and trustworthy guardsman whom our Queen may trust with her life. You see,” she leans even closer, speaking in the hushed tones of one sharing a sacred confidence, “Her Majesty has grown suspicious of her own guards. She believes many of them owe too much allegiance to His Eminence the Cardinal.”<br/><br/>There is just enough truth in this extemporaneous invention  that the noble and naïve cavalier may well accept the story.<br/><br/>“She has made discreet inquiries to the purpose of securing the services of a guardsman whose loyalty to her is beyond question.”<br/><br/>She touches d'Artagnan's arm. “I sent word to her that I know of just such a brave and noble young warrior. I speak of you, sir.”