 Chapter 73 of the D'Artagnan Romances, vol. 3 part 1 by Alexander Dumas, translated by William Robson, this LibriVox recording is in the public domain. In which Porthos begins to be sorry for having come with D'Artagnan. Scarcely had D'Artagnan extinguished his taper, when Eremus, who had watched through his curtains the last glimmer of light in his friend's apartment, traversed the corridor on Tiptoe, and went to Porthos's room, the giant who had been in bed nearly an hour and a half, lay grandly stretched out on the down bed. He was in that happy calm of the first sleep, which, with Porthos, resisted the noise of bells or the report of cannon, this head-swam in that soft oscillation which reminds us of the soothing movement of a ship. In a moment Porthos would have begun to dream. The door of the chamber opened softly under the delicate pressure of the hand of Eremus. The bishop approached the sleeper. A thick carpet deadened the sound of his steps, besides which Porthos snored in a manner to drown all noise. He laid one hand on his shoulder. Rouse, said he, wake up, my dear Porthos! The voice of Eremus was soft and kind, but it conveyed more than a notice. It conveyed an order. His hand was light, but it indicated a danger. Porthos heard the voice and felt the hand of Eremus even in the depth of his sleep. He started up. Who goes there? cried he in his giant's voice. Hush, hush! It is I, said Eremus. You, my friend? And what the devil do you wake me for? To tell you that you must set off directly. Set off? Yes. Where for? For Paris. Porthos bounded up in his bed and then sank back again, fixing his great eyes in agitation upon Eremus. For Paris? Yes. A hundred leagues? said he. A hundred and four. Replied the bishop. Oh, on two. And Porthos, lying down again like children who can dend with their bond to gain an hour or two of sleep. Thirty hours riding? said Eremus firmly. You know there are good relays. Porthos pushed out one leg, allowing a groan to escape him. Come, come, my friend? Insisted the prelate with a sort of impatience. Those drew the other leg out of the bed. And it is absolutely necessary that I should go at once. Urgently necessary. Porthos got upon his feet and began to shake both walls and floors with the steps of a marble statue. Hush, hush, for the love of heaven, my dear Porthos, said Eremus. You awake somebody? Ah, that is true, replied Porthos in a voice of thunder. I forgot that, but be satisfied, I am on guard. And so saying, he let fall a belt loaded with his sword and pistols and a purse from which the crowns escaped with a vibrating and prolonged noise. This noise made the blood of Eremus boil whilst it drew from Porthos a formidable burst of laughter. Ah, how droll is that? said he in the same voice. Not so loud, Porthos, not so loud. True, true. And he lowered his voice a half note. I was going to say, continued Porthos, that it is droll that we are never so slow as when we are in a hurry and never make so much noise as when we wish to be silent. Yes, that is true, but let us give the proverb the lie, Porthos, let us make haste and hold our tongue. You see, I am doing my best, said Porthos, putting on his heart to shots. Very well. This is something in haste. It is more than that. It is serious, Porthos. Oh-ho. D'Artagnan has questioned you. Has he not? Questioned me? Yes, at Belial. Not the least in the world. Are you sure of that, Porthos? By blue. It is impossible. Not yourself. He asked me what I was doing, and I told him studying topography. I would have made use of another word which you employed one day. Castrumitation. Yes, that's it, but I never could recollect it. All the better. What more did he ask you? Who Mr. Guitard was. He did not happen to see our plan of fortifications, did he? Yes. The devil he did. But don't be alarmed. I had rubbed out your writing with India Rubber. It was impossible for him to suppose you had given me any advice in those works. I... but our friend has phenomenally keen eyes. What are you afraid of? I fear that everything is discovered, Porthos. The matter is then to prevent a great misfortune. I have given orders to my people to close all the gates and doors. D'Artagnan will not be able to get out before daybreak. Your horse is ready, saddled. You will gain the first relay by five o'clock in the morning. You will have traversed Fifty-Five. I fear that everything is discovered, Porthos. The matter is then to prevent a great misfortune. You have traversed Fifteen Leagues. Come! Aramis then assisted Porthos to dress, piece by piece with as much celerity as the most skillful valet a Shambra could have done. Porthos, half stupefied, let him do as he liked and confounded himself in excuses. When he was ready, our Aramis took him by the hand and led him, making him place his foot with precaution on every step of the stairs, preventing him running against door frames, turning him this way and that as if Aramis had been the giant and Porthos the dwarf. Sol set fire to an animated matter. A horse was waiting, ready, saddled in the courtyard. Porthos mounted. Then Aramis himself took the horse by the bridle and led him over some dung spread in the yard with the evident intention of suppressing noise. He, at the same time, held tight the horse's nose to prevent him neighing. The outward gate, drawing Porthos toward him, who was going off without even asking him what for. Now, friend Porthos, now, without drawing bridle till you get to Paris, whispered he and his ears, eat on horseback, drink on horseback, sleep on horseback, but lose not a minute. That's enough. I will not stop. This letter to Mr. Fouquet cost what it may. He must have it tomorrow before midday. He shall. And do not forget one thing, my friend. What is that? That you are riding out on a hunt for your brevet of duke and pier. Ho, ho, ho. Said Porthos with his eyes sparkling. I will do it for hours in that case. Try. Then let go the bridle and forward, Goliath. Aramis did let go not the bridle, but the horse's nose. Porthos released his hand, clapped spurs to his horse, which set off at a gallop. As long as he could distinguish Porthos through the darkness, Aramis followed him with his eyes. When he was completely out of sight, he re-entered the yard. The valet placed on watch at the door had neither seen any light nor heard any noise. Aramis closed his door carefully, sent the lackey to bed, and quickly sought his own. D'Artagnan really suspected nothing. Therefore thought he had gained everything when he awoke in the morning about half past four. He ran to the window in his shirt. The window looked out upon the court and day was dawning. The court was deserted. The walls even had not left their roofs. Not a servant appeared, and every door was closed. Good! All is still! said D'Artagnan to himself. Never mind! I am up first in the house. Let us dress. That will be so much done. And D'Artagnan dressed himself. For this time he endeavored not to give to the costume of Monsieur Anyan that bourgeoisie and almost ecclesiastical rigidity He managed by drawing his belt tighter by buttoning his clothes in a different fashion and by putting on his hat a little on one side to restore to his person a little of that military character the absence of which had surprised Aramis. This being done he made free or affected to make free with his host and entered his chamber without ceremony. Aramis was asleep or feigned to be so. A large book lay open upon his night desk. His light was still burning in its silver sconce. This was more than enough to prove to D'Artagnan the questions of the prelates night and the good intentions of his waking. The musketeer did to the bishop precisely as the bishop had done to Porthos. He tapped him on the shoulder. Evidently, Aramis pretended to sleep. For instead of waking suddenly he who slept so lightly required a repetition of the summons. Ah! Ah! Is that you? said he, stretching his arms. What an agreeable surprise! Mawphwa! Sleep had made me forget that I had the happiness to possess you. What a clock is it? I do not know. said D'Artagnan a little embarrassed. Rorally I believe but you know that devil of a habit of waking with the day sticks to me still. Do you wish that we should go out so soon? asked Aramis. It appears to me to be very early. Just as you like. I thought we had agreed not to get on horseback before eight. Possibly but I had so great a wish to see you that I said to myself the sooner the better. And my seven hours sleep said Aramis. I had reckoned upon them and what I lose of them I must make up. But it seems to me that formerly you were less of a sleeper than that dear friend. Your blood was alive and you were never to be found in bed. And it is exactly on account of what you tell me that I am so fond of being there now. Then you confess that it is not for the sake of sleeping that you have put me off to eight o'clock. I have been afraid you would laugh at me if I told you the truth. Tell me notwithstanding. Well from six to eight I am accustomed to perform my devotions. Your devotions? Yes. I did not believe a bishop's exercises were so severe. A bishop, my friend must sacrifice more to appearance than a simple cleric. More do Aramis. That is a word which reconciles me with your greatness. To appearances. That is a musketeer's word in good truth. Vive les apparences, Aramis. Instead of felicitating me upon it pardon me, D'Artagnan it is a very mundane word which I had allowed to escape me. Must I leave you then? I want time to collect my thoughts, my friend and for my usual prayers. Well I leave you to them but on account of that poor pagan D'Artagnan bridge them for once I beg I thirst for speech with you. Well D'Artagnan I promise you that within an hour and a half an hour and a half of devotions my friend be as reasonable with me as you can. Let me have the best bargain possible. Aramis began to laugh still agreeable still young still gay. Said he, you have come into my diocese to set me quarreling with grace. Bah! And you know well that I was never able to resist your seductions or you will cost me my salvation D'Artagnan. D'Artagnan bit his lips. Well said he. I will take the sin on my own head favor me with one simple Christian sign of the cross favor me with one patter and we will part. Hush said Aramis we are already no longer alone I hear strangers coming up. Well I will dismiss them. Impossible I made an appointment with them yesterday it is the principal of the college of the Jesuits and the superior of the Dominicans. Your staff well so be it what are you going to do I will go and wake Porthos and remain in his company till you have finished the conference. Aramis did not stir his brow and remained unbent he betrayed himself by no gesture or word go said he as D'Artagnan advanced to the door apropos do you know where Porthos sleeps no but I will inquire take the corridor and open the second door on the left thank you Au revoir and D'Artagnan departed in the direction pointed out by Aramis passed away when he came back he found Aramis seated between the superior of the Dominicans and the principal of the college of the Jesuits exactly in the same situation as he had found informally in the albergue at Crevacour this company did not at all terrify the musketeer what is it said Aramis quietly you have apparently something to say to me my friend it is replied D'Artagnan fixing his eyes upon Aramis it is that Porthos is not in his apartment indeed said Aramis calmly are you sure by do I came from his chamber where can he be then that is what I am asking you and have not you inquired yes I have and what answer did you get that Porthos often walking out in the morning without saying anything had probably gone out what did you do then I went to the stables replied D'Artagnan carelessly what to do to see if Porthos had departed on horseback and interrogated the bishop well there is a horse missing star number three Goliath all this dialogue it may be easily understood was not exempt from a certain affectation on the part of the musketeer and a perfect complacence on the part of Aramis oh I guess how it is said Aramis after having considered for a moment Porthos has gone out to give us a surprise a surprise yes the canal which goes from van to the sea abounds in teal and snipes that is Porthos' favorite sport and he will bring us back a dozen for breakfast do you think so said D'Artagnan I am sure of it where else can he be I would lay a wager he took a gun with him well that is possible D'Artagnan do one thing my friend get on horseback and join him you are right said D'Artagnan I will shall I go with you no thank you Porthos is a rather remarkable man I will inquire as I go along will you take an archibus thank you order what horse you like to be saddled I rode yesterday on coming from Belial so be it use the horse as your own Aramis rang and gave orders to have the horse Mr. D'Artagnan had chosen saddled D'Artagnan followed the servant charge with the execution of this order when arrived at the door the servant drew on one side to allow Mr. D'Artagnan to pass and at that moment he caught the eye of his master a knitting of the brow that all should be given to D'Artagnan he wished D'Artagnan got into the saddle and Aramis heard the steps of his horse on the pavement an instant after the servant returned well asked the bishop lancinha he has followed the course of the canal and is going towards the sea said the servant very well said Aramis in fact D'Artagnan the suspicion hastened toward the ocean constantly hoping to see in the land or on the beach the colossal profile of porthos he persisted in fancying a good trace a horse's step in every puddle sometimes he imagined he heard the report of a gun this illusion lasted three hours during two of which he went forward in search of his friend in the last he returned to the house we must have crossed said he shall find them waiting for me at table D'Artagnan was mistaken he no more found porthos at the palace than he had found him on the seashore Aramis was waiting for him at the top of the stairs looking very much concerned did my people not find you my dear D'Artagnan cried he as soon as he caught sight of the musketeer no did you send anyone after me I am deeply concerned my friend deeply to have induced you to make such a useless search but about seven o'clock the allener of saint patern came here he had met Duvalon who was going away and who being unwilling to disturb anybody at the palace and charged him to tell me that fearing Monsieur Guitard would play him some ill-turn in his absence he was going to take advantage of the morning tide to make a tour to Belial but tell me Goliath has not crossed the four leagues of sea I should think there are four six said Aramis that makes it less probable still therefore my friend said Aramis with one of his blandest smiles Goliath is in the stable well pleased I will answer for it that porthos no longer on his back in fact the horse had been brought back from the relay by the direction of the Prelate from whom no detail escaped D'Artagnan appeared as well satisfied as possible with the explanation he entered upon a part of dissimulation which agreed perfectly with the suspicions that arose more and more strongly in his mind he breakfasted between the Jesuit and Aramis having the Dominican in front of him and smiling particularly with the Dominican whose jolly fat face pleased him much the repast was long and sumptuous excellent Spanish wine fine Morvejan oysters exquisite fish from the mouth of the Loire enormous prawns from Pambooth and delicious game from the moors constituted the principal part of it D'Artagnan ate much and drank but little Aramis drank nothing unless it was water after the repast you offered me an archibus said D'Artagnan I did lend it me then are you going shooting whilst waiting for Porthos it is the best thing I can do I think take what you like from the trophy will you not come with me I would with great pleasure but alas my friend sporting is forbidden to bishops huh said D'Artagnan I did not know that besides continued Aramis I shall be busy till midday I shall go alone then said D'Artagnan I am sorry to say you must but come back to dinner pardon the eating at your house is too good to make me think of not coming back and thereupon D'Artagnan quitted his host bowed to the guests and took his archibus but instead of shooting went straight to the little port of Van he looked in vain to observe if anybody saw him he could discern neither thing nor person he engaged a little fishing boat for twenty five lever and set off at half past eleven convinced that he had not been followed and that was true he had not been followed only a Jesuit of his church had not since the morning by the help of an excellent glass lost sight of one of his steps at three quarters past eleven Aramis was informed that D'Artagnan was sailing toward Belial the voyage was rapid a good north northeast wind drove him toward the isle as he approached his eyes were constantly fixed upon the coast he looked to see if upon the shore or upon the fortifications the brilliant dress and vast stature of porthos should stand out against a slightly clouded sky but his search was in vain he landed without having seen anything and learnt from the first soldier interrogated by him that Monsieur de Valhaune had not yet returned from Van then without losing an instant D'Artagnan ordered his little bark to be put its head towards Sartce we know that the wind changes with the different hours of the day the breeze had veered from the north northeast to the south southeast it was almost as good for return to Sartce as it had been for the voyage to Belial in three hours D'Artagnan had touched the continent two hours more suffice for his ride to Van in spite of the rapidity of his passage what D'Artagnan endured of impatience and anger during that short passage the deck alone of the vessel upon which he stamped it backwards and forwards for three hours could testify he made but one bound from the quay whereon he landed to the Episcopal Palace he thought to terrify Aramis by the promptitude of his return he wished to reproach him with his duplicity and yet with reserve but with sufficient spirit nevertheless to make him feel all the consequences of it and force from him a part of his secret he hoped and short thanks to that heat of expression which is to secrets what the charge with the bayonet is to redoubt to bring the mysterious Aramis to some manifestation or other but he found in the vestibule of the palace the valet de Shombra who closed the passage while smiling upon him with a stupid air Monsignor cried D'Artagnan endeavouring to put him aside with his hand moved for an instant the valet resumed his station Monsignor said he yes to be sure do you not know me imbecile yes you are the Chevalier D'Artagnan then let me pass it is of no use why of no use because his greatness is not at home what his greatness is not at home where is he then gone gone yes wither I don't know but perhaps he tells Mr. Lechevier and how where in what fashion in this letter which he gave me for Mr. Lechevier in the valet de Shombra drew a letter from his pocket give it me then you rascal said D'Artagnan snatching it from his hand oh yes continued he at the first line yes I understand and he read dear friend an affair of the most urgent nature calls me to a distant parish of my diocese I hope to see you again before I set out but I lose that hope in thinking that you are going no doubt to remain two or three days at Belio with our dear Porthos amuse yourself as well as you can but do not attempt to hold out against him at table this is a council I might have given even to Athos in his most brilliant and best days do dear friend believe that I regret greatly not having better or a for longer time profited by your excellent company more dear cried D'Artagnan I am tricked ah blockhead brute triple for that I am but those laugh best who laugh last oh duped duped like a monkey cheated with an empty nutshell and with a hearty blow bestowed upon the nose of the smirking by Lady Shambra he made all haste out of the Episcopal Palace Furey however good a trotter was not equal to present circumstances D'Artagnan therefore took the post and chose a horse which he soon caused to demonstrate with good spurs in a light hand that dear are not the swiftest animals in nature End of Chapter 73 Recording by John Van Stan Savannah, Georgia Chapter 74 of the D'Artagnan romances volume 3 part 1 by Alexander Dumas translated by William Robson this LibriVox recording is in the public domain in which D'Artagnan makes all speed porthos snores and Aramis councils from 30 to 35 hours after the events we have just related as Mr. Fouquet according to his custom having interdicted his door was working in the cabinet of his house at Saint-Mond with which we are already acquainted a carriage drawn by four horses steaming with sweat entered the court at full gallop this carriage was probably expected for three or four lackeys hastened to the door which they opened whilst Mr. Fouquet rose from his bureau and ran to the window a man got painfully out of the carriage descending with difficulty the three steps of the door leaning upon the shoulders of the lackeys he had scarcely uttered his name upon whom he was not leaning sprang up the perron and disappeared in the vestibule this man went to inform his master but he had no occasion to knock at the door Fouquet was standing on the threshold Monsignor the Bishop of Van said he very well replied his master then leaning over the banister of the staircase of which Aramis was beginning to ascend the first steps ah, dear friend said he you so soon yes I myself, Monsignor but bruised, battered, as you see oh my poor friend said Fouquet presenting him his arm on which Aramis lent whilst the servants drew back respectfully replied Aramis it is nothing since I am here the principal thing was that I should get here and here I am speak quickly said Fouquet closing the door of the cabinet behind Aramis and himself are we alone? yes perfectly no one observes us no one can hear us be satisfied nobody is here yes and you have received my letter yes the affair is serious apparently since it necessitates your attendance in Paris at a moment when your present was so urgent elsewhere you are right it could not be more serious thank you thank you what is it about for heaven's sake before anything else take time to breathe dear friend you are so pale you frighten me I am really in great pain but for heaven's sake think nothing about me did Monsieur de Valon tell you nothing when he delivered the letter to you? no I heard a great noise I went to the window out of horsemen of Marble I went down he held the letter out to me and his horse fell down dead but he he fell with the horse he was lifted and carried to an apartment having read the letter I went up to him in hopes of obtaining more ample information but he was asleep and after such a fashion that it was impossible to wake him I took pity on him I gave orders that his boots should be cut from his legs and that he should be left quite undisturbed so far well now this is the question in hand Monsignor you have seen Monsieur d'Artagnan in Paris have you not charities and think him a man of intelligence and even a man of heart although he did bring about the death of our dear friends the adore and demerit alas yes I heard of that at Torre I met the courier who was bringing me the letter from Gourvy and the dispatchers from Pellissant have you seriously reflected on that event Monsieur yes and in it you perceived a direct attack upon your sovereignty and do you believe it to be so oh yes I think so well I must confess that sad idea occurred to me likewise do not blind yourself Monsieur in the name of heaven listen attentively to me I return to d'Artagnan I am all attention under what circumstances did you see him he came here for money with what kind of order with an order from the king direct signed by his majesty there then well d'Artagnan has been to Belial he was disguised he came in the character of some sort of an attendant charged by his master to purchase salt mines now d'Artagnan has no other master but the king he came then sent by the king he saw porthos who is porthos I beg your pardon I'm in a mistake he saw Monsieur de Valon at Belial and he knows as well as you and I do that Belial is fortified and you think that the king sent him there said Phuket pensively I certainly do and d'Artagnan in the hands of the king is a dangerous instrument the most dangerous imaginable then I formed a correct opinion of him at the first glance how so I wish to attach him to myself if you judged him to be the bravest the most acute and the most a dwat man in France you judged correctly he must be had then at any price d'Artagnan is not that your opinion it may be my opinion but you will never get him why? because we have allowed the time to go by he was dissatisfied with the court we should have profited by that since that he has passed into England there he powerfully assisted in the restoration there he gained a fortune and after all he returned to the service of the king well if he has returned to the service of the king it is because he is well paid in that service we will pay him even better that is all oh, monsieur excuse me d'Artagnan has a high respect for his word and where that is once engaged he keeps it what do you conclude then said Fouquet with great inquietude at present the principal thing is to bury a dangerous blow and how is it to be parried listen but d'Artagnan will come and render an account to the king of his mission oh we have time enough to think about that how so you are much in advance of him I presume nearly ten hours well in ten hours Eremus shook his pale head look at these clouds which flit across the heavens at these swallows which cut the air d'Artagnan moves more quickly than the clouds or the birds d'Artagnan is the wind which carries them a strange man I tell you he is superhuman, monsieur he is of my own age and I have known him these five and thirty years well well listen to my calculation monsieur I sent monsieur de Valon off to you two hours after midnight monsieur de Valon was eight hours in advance of me and when did monsieur du Valon arrive about four hours ago you see then that I gained four upon him and yet Porthos is a staunch horseman and he has left on the road eight dead horses whose bodies I came to successively I rode post fifty leagues but I have the gout the gravel and what else I know not so that fatigue kills me I have rushed to dismount a tour since that rolling along in a carriage half dead sometimes overturned drawn up on the sides and sometimes on the back of the carriage always with four spirited horses at full gallop I have arrived arrived gaining four hours upon Porthos but see you d'Artagnan does not weigh 300 weight as Porthos does the gout and gravel as I have he is not a horseman he is a centaur d'Artagnan look you set out for Belial when I set out for Paris and d'Artagnan not withstanding my ten hours advance d'Artagnan will arrive within two hours after me but then accidents he never meets with accidents horses may fail him he will run as fast as a horse good God what a man yes he is a man whom I love and admire I love him because he is good great and loyal I admire him because he represents in my eyes the culminating point of human power but while loving and admiring him I fear him and I'm on my guard against him now then I resume Mr. in two hours d'Artagnan will be here be beforehand with him go to the Louvre and see the king before he sees d'Artagnan what shall I say to the king nothing give him Belial oh Mr. Derbley Mr. Derbley cried Phuket what projects crushed all at once after one project that has failed there is always another project that may lead to fortune we should never despair go Mr. and go at once but that garrison so carefully chosen the king will change it directly that garrison Mr. was the kings when it entered Belial it is yours now the same with all garrisons after a fortnight's occupation let things go on Mr. do you see any inconvenience in having an army at the end of a year instead of two regiments do you not see that your garrison of today will make you partisans at La Rochelle Nantes Bordeaux Toulouse in short wherever they may be sent to go to the king Mr. go time flies while we are losing time is flying like an arrow along the high road Mr. Derbley you know that each word from you is a germ which fruitifies in my thoughts I will go to the Louvre instantly will you not I only ask time to change my dress remember the d'Artagnan has no need to pass through St. Mond that will go straight to the Louvre that is cutting off an hour from the advantage that yet remains to us D'Artagnan may have everything except my English horses I shall be at the Louvre in twenty five minutes and without losing a second Fouquet gave orders for his departure Aramis had only time to say to him return as quickly as you go for I shall await you impatiently five minutes after the superintendent was flying along the road to Paris during this time Aramis desired to be shown the chamber in which Porthos was sleeping at the door of Fouquet's cabinet he was folded in the arms of Pelisson who had just heard of his arrival and had left his office to see him Aramis received with that friendly dignity which he knew so well how to assume these caresses respectful as earnest but all at once stopping on the landing what is that I hear up yonder there was in fact a horse growling kind of noise like the roar of a hungry tiger or an impatient lion oh that is nothing said Pelisson smiling well but it is missured of a lawn snoring ah true said Aramis I had forgotten no one but he is capable of making such a noise allow me Pelisson to inquire if he wants anything and you will permit me to accompany you oh certainly and both entered the chamber Porthos was stretched upon the bed his face was violet rather than red his eyes were swelled his mouth was wide open the roaring which escaped from the deep cavities of his chest made the glass of the windows vibrate to those developed and clearly defined muscles starting from his face to his hair matted with sweat to the energetic heaving of his chin and shoulders it was impossible to refuse a certain degree of admiration strength carried to this point is semi-divine the herculean legs and feet of Porthos had by swelling burst his stockings all the strength of his huge body was converted into the rigidity of stone porthos move no more than does the giant of granite which reclines upon the plains of aggregantum according to Pelisson's orders his boots had been cut off for no human power could have pulled them off for lackeys had tried in vain pooling at them as they would have pooled capstance and yet all this did not awaken him they had hacked off his boots in fragments and his legs had fallen back upon the bed and cut off the rest of his clothes carried him to a bath in which they let him soak a considerable time they then put on him clean linen and placed him in a well-warmed bed the hole with efforts and pains which might have roused a dead man but which did not make Porthos open an eye or interrupt for a second the formidable diapason of his snoring Aramis wished on his part with his nervous nature armed with the extraordinary courage to out brave a fatigue and employ himself with Gourvy and Pelisson but he fainted in the chair in which he had persisted sitting he was carried into the adjoining room where the repose of bed soon soothed his failing brain end of chapter 74 recording by John Vanstance of Anna Georgia chapter 75 of the D'Artagnan romances volume 3 part 1 by Alexander Dumas translated by William Robson this Librabox recording is in the public domain in which Monsieur Fouquet acts in the meantime Fouquet was hastening to the Louvre at the best speed of his English horses the king was at work with Colbert all at once the king became thoughtful the two sentences of death he had signed on mounting his throne sometimes recurred to his memory they were two black spots which he saw with his eyes open two spots of blood which he saw when his eyes were closed Monsieur said he rather sharply to the intendant it sometimes seemed to me that those two men you made me condemn were not very great culprits Sire they were picked out from the herd of the farmers of the financiers which wanted decimating picked out by whom by necessity Sire replied Colbert coldly necessity a great word murmured the young king a great goddess Sire they were devoted friends of the superintendent were they not yes Sire friends who would have given up their lives for Monsieur Fouquet they have given them Monsieur said the king that is true but uselessly by good luck which was not their intention how much money had these men fraudulently obtained ten millions perhaps of which six have been confiscated and is that money in my coffers said the king with a certain air of repugnance it is there Sire but this confiscation whilst threatening Monsieur Fouquet has not touched him you conclude then Monsieur Colbert that if Monsieur Fouquet has raised against your majesty a troop of factious rioters to extricate his friends from punishment he will raise an army when he has in turn to extricate himself from punishment the king darted at his confidant one of those looks which resemble the livid fire of a flash of lightning one of those looks which illuminate the darkness of the basest consciences I am astonished said he that thinking such things of Monsieur Fouquet you did not come to give me your counsels there upon counsels upon what Sire tell me in the first place clearly and precisely what you think Monsieur Colbert upon what subject Sire upon the conduct of Monsieur Fouquet I think Sire that Monsieur Fouquet not satisfied with attracting all the money to himself as Monsieur Mazorin did and by that means depriving your majesty of one part of your power still wishes to attract to himself all the friends of easy life and pleasure of what idlers call poetry and politicians corruption I think that by holding the subjects of your majesty in pay he trespasses upon the royal prerogative and cannot if this continues so belong in placing your majesty among the weak and the obscure how would you qualify all these projects Monsieur Colbert the projects of Monsieur Fouquet Sire yes they are called crimes of Lese Mageste and what is done to criminals guilty of Lese Mageste they are arrested tried and punished you are quite sure that Monsieur Fouquet has conceived the idea of the crime you impute to him I can say more Sire there is even a commencement of the execution of it well then I return to that which I was saying Monsieur Colbert and you were saying Sire give me counsel pardon me Sire but in the first place I have something to add say what an evident palpable material proof of treason and what is that I have just learned that Monsieur Fouquet is fortifying Belle Isle huh indeed yes Sire are you sure perfectly do you know Sire what soldiers there are in Belle Isle no Muffois do you I am ignorant likewise Sire I should therefore propose to your majesty and send somebody to Belle Isle who me for instance and what would you do at Belle Isle inform myself whether after the example of the ancient feudal lords Monsieur Fouquet was a battle minting his walls and with what purpose could he do that with the purpose of defending some day against his king but if it be thus Mr. Colbert said Louis we must immediately do as you say Monsieur Fouquet must be arrested that is impossible I thought I had already told you Monsieur that I suppressed that word in my service the service of your majesty cannot prevent Monsieur Fouquet from being the superintendent general well that in consequence of holding that post he has for him all the parliament as he has all the army by his largesse literature by his favors and the noblesse by his presence that is to say then that I can do nothing against Mr. Fouquet absolutely nothing at least that present Sire you are a sterile counselor Mr. Colbert oh no Sire for I will not confine myself to pointing out the peril to your majesty come then where shall we begin to undermine this colossus let us see and his majesty began to laugh bitterly he has grown great by money kill him by money Sire if I were to deprive him of his charge a bad means Sire the good the good then ruin him Sire that is the way but how occasions will not be wanting take advantage of all occasions point them out to me here is one at once his royal highness is about to be married his nuptials must be magnificent that is a good occasion for your majesty to demand a million of Mr. Fouquet Mr. Fouquet who pays twenty thousand leave her down when he need not pay more than five thousand will easily find that million when your majesty hands it that is all very well I will demand it said Louis if your majesty will sign the ordinance I will have the money got together myself and Colbert pushed a paper before the king and presented a pen to him at that moment the usher opened the door and announced Mr. Le Sur intendant Louis turned pale and drew back from the king over whom he extended his black wings like an evil spirit the superintendent made his entrance like a man of the court to whom a single glance was sufficient to make him appreciate the situation that situation was not very encouraging for Fouquet whatever might be his consciousness of strength the small black eye of Colbert dilated by envy and the limpid eye of Louis XIV in anger signaled some pressing danger courtiers are with regard to court rumors like old soldiers who distinguish through the blasts of wind and bluster of leaves the sound of the distant steps of an armed troop they can after having listened tell pretty nearly how many men are marching how many arms resound how many cannons roll Fouquet had then only to interrogate the silence which his arrival had produced he found it big with menacing revelations the king allowed him time enough to advance as far as the middle of the chamber his adolescent modesty commanded this forbearance of the moment Fouquet boldly seized the opportunity Sire said he I was impatient to see your majesty what for asked Louis to announce some good news to you Colbert minus grandeur of person less largest of heart resembled Fouquet in many points he had the same penetration the same knowledge of men moreover that great power of self compression which gives the hypocrites time to reflect and gathered themselves up to take a spring he guessed that Fouquet was going to meet the blow he was about to deal him his eyes glittered ominously what news asked the king Fouquet placed a roll of papers on the table let your majesty have the goodness to cast your eyes over this work said he the king slowly unfolded the paper plans said he yes Sire and what are these plans a new fortification Sire said the king you amuse yourself with tactics and strategies then Mr. Fouquet I occupy myself with everything that may be useful to the reign of your majesty replied Fouquet beautiful descriptions said the king looking at the design your majesty comprehends without doubt said Fouquet bending over the paper here is the circle of the walls here are the forts there the advanced works and what do I see here Mr. the sea the sea all round yes Sire and what is then the name of this place of which you show me the plan Sire it is Belle-Ile-on-Mare replied Fouquet with simplicity at this word at this name Colbert made so marked a movement that the king turned round to enforce the necessity for reserve Fouquet did not appear to be the least in the world concerned by the movement of Colbert or the king's signal Mr. continued Louis you have then fortified Belle-Ile yes Sire and I have brought the plan and the accounts your majesty replied Fouquet I have expended sixteen hundred thousand lever in this operation what to do replied Louis coldly having taken the initiative from a malicious look of the intendant for an aim very easy to seize replied Fouquet your majesty was on cool terms with Great Britain yes but since the restoration of King Charles II I have formed an alliance with him a month since Sire your majesty has truly said but it is more than six months since the fortifications of Belle-Ile were begun then they have become useless Sire fortifications are never useless I fortified Belle-Ile with Monsieur's Monk and Lambert and all those London citizens who are playing at soldiers Belle-Ile will be ready for to fight against the Dutch against whom either England or your majesty cannot fail to make war the king was against silent and looked to scant a Colbert Belle-Ile I believe added Louis is yours Mr. Fouquet no Sire who is then your Majesties Colbert was seized with as much terror as if a golf had opened beneath his feet Louis started with admiration either at the genius or the devotion of Fouquet explain yourself Monsieur said he nothing more easy Sire Belle-Ile is one of my estates I fortified it at my own expense but as nothing in the world can oppose a subject making an humble present to his king I offer your Majesty the proprietorship of the estate of which you will leave me the use of Fouquet Belle-Ile as a place of war ought to be occupied by the king your Majesty will be able henceforth to keep a safe garrison there Colbert felt almost sinking down upon the floor to keep himself from falling he was obliged to hold by the columns of the wane-scoting this is a piece of great skill in the art of war that you have exhibited here Monsieur said Louis Sire the initiative did not come from me replied Fouquet many others have inspired me with it the plans themselves have been made by one of the most distinguished engineers his name Monsieur Duvalon Monsieur Duvalon resumed Louis I do not know him it is much to be lamented Monsieur Colbert continued he that I do not know the names of the men of talent who do honor to my reign these words he turned toward Colbert the latter felt himself crushed the sweat flowed from his brow no word presented itself to his lips he suffered an inexpressible martyrdom you will recollect that name added Louis XIV Colbert bowed but was paler than his ruffles of Flemish lace Fouquet continued the masonries are of Roman concrete the architects made it for me after the best accounts of antiquity and the canon asked Louis oh Sire that concerns your majesty it did not become me to place canon in my own house unless your majesty had told me it was yours Louis began to float undetermined between the hatred which this so powerful man inspired him with thought for the other so cast down who seemed to him the counterfeit of the former but the consciousness of his kingly duty prevailed over the feelings of the man and he stretched out his finger to the paper it must have cost you a great deal of money to carry these plans into execution said he I believe I had the honor of telling your majesty the amount repeat it if you please I have forgotten it 1600 thousand leaver 1600 thousand leaver you are enormously rich Monsieur it is your majesty who is rich since Belial is yours yes thank you but however rich I may be Monsieur Fouquet the king stopped well Sire ask the superintendent I foresee the moment when I shall want money you Sire and at what moment then tomorrow for example will your majesty do me the honor to explain yourself my mother is going to marry the English princess well Sire well I ought to give the bride a reception worthy of the granddaughter of Henry IV that is but just Sire then I shall want money no doubt I shall want Louis hesitated the sum he was going to demand was the same that he had been obliged to refuse Charles I he turned toward Colbert that he might give the blow I shall want tomorrow repeated he looking at Colbert a million said the latter bluntly delighted to take his revenge Fouquet turned his back upon the intendant to listen to the king he did not turn round but waited till the king repeated or rather murmured a million oh Sire replied Fouquet disdainfully a million what will your majesty do with a million it appears to me nevertheless said Louis XIV that is not more than is spent at the nuptials of one of the most petty princes of Germany Monsieur your majesty must have two millions at least the horses alone would run away with five hundred thousand lever I shall have the honour of sending your majesty sixteen hundred thousand lever this evening how said the king sixteen hundred thousand lever look Sire replied Fouquet without even turning toward Colbert I know that once four hundred thousand lever of the two millions but this Monsieur of Lintendance pointing over his shoulder to Colbert who if possible became parallel behind him as in his coffers nine hundred thousand lever of mine the king turned round to look at Colbert but said the letter Monsieur continued Fouquet still speaking indirectly to Colbert Monsieur has received a week ago sixteen hundred thousand lever he has paid a hundred thousand lever to the guard sixty four thousand lever to the hospitals twenty five thousand to the Swiss a hundred and thirty thousand for provisions a thousand for arms ten thousand for accidental expenses I do not air then in reckoning upon nine hundred thousand lever that are left then turning toward Colbert like a disdainful head of office towards his inferior take care Monsieur said he that those nine hundred thousand lever be remitted to his Majesty this evening in gold but said the king that will make two millions five hundred thousand lever Sire the five hundred thousand lever over will serve as pocket money for his royal highness you understand Monsieur Colbert this evening before eight o'clock and with these words bowing respectfully to the king the superintendent made his exit backwards without honoring with a single look the envious man whose head he had just half shaved Colbert tore his ruffles to pieces in his rage and bit his lips till they bled Fouquet had not passed the door of the cabinet when in usher pushing by him exclaimed a courier from Bretagne for his Majesty Monsieur Derbley was right murmured Fouquet pulling out his watch an hour and fifty-five minutes it was quite true end of chapter seventy-five recording by John Van Stan Savannah Georgia chapter seventy-six of the D'Artagnan romances volume three part one by Alexander Dumas translated by William Robson this LibriVox recording is in the public domain in which D'Artagnan finishes by at length placing his hand upon his captain's commission the reader guesses beforehand whom the usher preceded in announcing the courier from Bretagne this messenger was easily recognized it was D'Artagnan his clothes dusty his face inflamed his hair dripping with sweat his legs stiff he lifted his feet painfully at every step on which resounded the clink of his blood and his tears he perceived in the doorway he was passing through the superintendent coming out Fouquet bowed with a smile to him who, an hour before was bringing him ruin and death D'Artagnan found in his goodness of heart and in his inexhaustible vigor of body enough presence of mind to remember the kind reception of this man he bowed then also much more from benevolence and compassion than from respect he felt upon his lips the word which had so many times been repeated to the duke de guise fly but to pronounce that word would have been to betray his cause to speak that word in the cabinet of the king and before an usher would have been to ruin himself gratuitously and could save nobody D'Artagnan then contented himself with bowing to Fouquet and entered at this moment the king floated between the joy the last words of Fouquet had given him and his pleasure at the return of D'Artagnan without being a courtier D'Artagnan had a glance as sure and as rapid as if he had been one he read on his entrance devouring humiliation on the countenance of Colbert he even heard the king say these words to him Ha! Mr. Colbert you have then 900,000 lever at the intendance Colbert suffocated bowed but made no reply all this scene entered into the mind of D'Artagnan by the eyes and ears at once the first word of Louis to his musketeer as if he wished it to contrast with what he was saying at the moment was a kind good day his second was to send away Colbert the latter left the king's cabinet pallid and tottering whilst D'Artagnan twisted up the ends of his mustache I love to see one of my servants in this disorder said the king admiring the marshal stains upon the clothes of his envoy I thought Sire my presence at the Louvre was sufficiently urgent to excuse my presenting myself thus before you you bring me great news then, Mr. Sire the thing is this in two words Bel-Eel is fortified Admirably fortified Bel-Eel has a double ansiette its ports contain three corsairs and the side batteries only await their cannon I know all that, Mr. replied the king what your majesty knows all that replied the musketeer stupefied I have the plan of the fortifications of Bel-Eel said the king your majesty has the plan here it is here it is it is really correct, Sire I saw a similar one on the spot D'Artagnan's brow became clouded I understand all your majesty did not trust to me alone but sent some other person said he in a reproachful tone of what importance is the manner, Mr. which I have learned what I know so that I know it Sire said the musketeer without seeking even to conceal his dissatisfaction but I must be permitted to say to your majesty that it is not worth while to make me use such speed to risk 20 times the breaking of my neck to salute me on my arrival with such intelligence Sire when people are not trusted or are deemed insufficient to scarcely be employed and D'Artagnan with a movement perfectly military stamped with his foot and left upon the floor dust stained with blood the king looked at him inwardly enjoying his first triumph Mr. sure said he at the expiration of a minute not only is Bel-Eel known to me but still further Bel-Eel is mine that is well that is well Sire but I asked but one thing more replied D'Artagnan my discharge what? your discharge without doubt I am too proud to eat the bread of the king without earning it or rather by gaining it badly my discharge Sire oh I ask for my discharge or I will take it you are angry Mr. I have reason more 32 hours in the saddle I ride night and day I perform prodigies of speed I arrive stiff as the corpse of a man who has been hung and another arrives before me come Sire I am a fool my discharge Sire Mr. D'Artagnan said Louis leaning his white hand upon the dusty arm of the musketeer what I tell you will not at all affect that which I promised you a king's word given must be kept and the king going straight to his table opened a drawer and took out a folded paper here is your commission of captain of musketeers you have won it Mr. D'Artagnan D'Artagnan opened the paper eagerly and scented twice he could scarcely believe his eyes and this commission has given you continued the king not only on account of your journey to Belisle but moreover for your brave intervention at the Plastigreve there likewise you served me valiantly aha said D'Artagnan without his self command being able to prevent a blush from mounting to his eyes you know that also Sire yes I know it the king possessed a piercing glance and an infallible judgment when it was his object to read men's minds you have something to say said he to the musketeer something to say which you do not say come speak freely Mr. you know that I told you once for all that you are to be always quite frank with me well Sire what I have to say is this that I would prefer being made captain of musketeers for having charged a battery at the head of my company or taken a city than for causing two wretches to be hung is this quite true you tell me and why should your majesty suspect me of dissimulation I ask because I know you well Mr. you cannot repent of having drawn your sword for me well in that your majesty is deceived and greatly yes I do repent of having drawn my sword on account of the results that action produced the poor men who were hung Sire were neither your enemies nor mine and they could not defend themselves the king preserved silence for a moment and your companion Mr. D'Artagnan does he partake of your repentance my companion yes you are not alone I have been told alone where at the Plastigrav no Sire no said D'Artagnan blushing at the idea that the king might have a suspicion that he D'Artagnan had wished to engross to himself all the glory that belonged to Raul no and as your majesty says I had a companion and a good companion too a young man yes Sire a young man your majesty must accept my compliments you are as well informed of things out of doors as things within it is Mr. Colbert who makes all these fine reports to the king Mr. Colbert has said nothing but good of you Mr. D'Artagnan and he would have met with a bad reception if he had come to tell me anything else that is fortunate but he also said much good of that young man end with justice said the musketeer in short it appears that this young man is a fire eater said Louis in order to sharpen the sentiment which he mistook for envy a fire eater yes Sire repeated D'Artagnan delighted on his part to direct the king's attention to Raul do you not know his name well I think you know him then I have known him nearly five and twenty years Sire why he is scarcely twenty five years old cried the king well Sire I have known him ever since he was born that is all do you affirm that Sire said D'Artagnan your majesty questions me with a mistrust in which I recognize another character than your own Mr. Colbert who has so well informed you has he not forgotten to tell you that this young man is the son of my most intimate friend the the comte bragalon certainly Sire the father of the vicomte bragalon is Mr. La Comte Laferre who is so powerfully assisted in the restoration of King Charles II bragalon comes of a valiant race Sire then he is the son of that nobleman who came to me or rather to Mr. Mazarin on the part of King Charles II to offer me his alliance exactly Sire and the comte laferre is a great soldier say you Sire he is a man who has drawn his sword more times for the king your father than there are at present months in the happy life of your majesty it was Louis XIV who now bit his lip that is well Mr. D'Artagnan very well then Mr. La Comte Laferre is your friend say you for about forty years yes Sire your majesty may see that I do not speak to you of yesterday should you be glad to see this young man Mr. D'Artagnan delighted Sire the king touched his bell and a nusher appeared call Mr. de Bragalon said the king ha ha he is here said D'Artagnan he is on guard today at the Louvre with the company of the gentlemen Mr. La France the king had scarcely see speaking when Raoul presented himself and on seeing D'Artagnan smiled on him with that charming smile which is only found upon the lips of youth come come said D'Artagnan familiarly to Raoul the king will allow you to embrace me only tell his majesty you thank him Raoul bowed so gracefully that Louis to whom all superior qualities were pleasing they did not overshadow his own admired his beauty strength and modesty Mr. said the king addressing Raoul I have asked Mr. La France to be kind enough to give you up to me I have received his reply and you belong to me from this morning Mr. La France was a good master but I hope you will not lose by the exchange yes yes Raoul be satisfied the king has some good in him said D'Artagnan who had fathomed the character of Louis and who played with his self-love within certain limits always observing be it understood the properties and flattering even when he appeared to be bantering Sire said brag alone with a voice soft and musical and with the natural and easy elocution he inherited from his father Sire it is not from today you are majesty oh no I know said the king you mean your enterprise of the greve that day you were truly mine Mr. Sire it is not of that day I would speak it would not become me to refer to so paltry a service in the presence of such a man as Mr. D'Artagnan I would speak of a circumstance which created an epic in my life and which consecrated me from the age of sixteen to the devoted service of your majesty aha said the king what was that circumstance tell me Mr. this is it Sire when I was setting out on my first campaign that is to say to join the army of Monsieur la France Monsieur la Comte de la Faire came to conduct me as far as Saint Denis where the remains of King Louis XIII weighed upon the lowest steps a successor whom God will not sent in my hope for many years then he made me swear upon the ashes of our masters to serve royalty represented by you incarnate in you Sire to serve it in a word in thought and in action I swore and God in the dead were witnesses to my oath during ten years Sire I have not so often as I desired had occasion to keep it I am a soldier of your majesty and nothing else and on calling me nearer to you I do not change my master I only change my garrison Raoul was silent and bowed Louis still listened after he had done speaking more dear cried D'Artagnan that was well spoken was it not your majesty a good race a noble race yes murmured the agitated king without however daring to manifest his emotion for it had no other cause than contact with the nature intrinsically noble yes monsieur you say truly wherever you were you were the kings but in changing your garrison believe me you will find an advancement of which you are worthy Raoul saw that this ended what the king had to say to him and with the perfect tact which characterised his refined nature he bowed and retired is there anything else monsieur of which you have to inform me said the king when he found himself again alone with D'Artagnan yes sire and I kept that news for the last for it is sad and will clothe the European royalty in mourning what do you tell me sire in passing through Pla a word a sad word echoed from the palace my ear in truth you terrify me monsieur D'Artagnan sire this word was pronounced to me by a pique who wore crepe on his arm my uncle Gaston of Olyan perhaps sire he has rendered his last sigh and I was not warned of it cried the king whose royal susceptibility saw an insult in the absence of this intelligence oh do not be angry sire said D'Artagnan neither the couriers of Paris nor the couriers of the whole world can travel with your servant the courier from Blois will not be here these two hours and he rides well I assure you seeing that I only passed him on the tithers side of Olyan my uncle Gaston murmured Louis pressing his hand to his brow and comprising in those three words all that his memory recalled of that symbol of opposing sentiments eh yes sire it is thus said D'Artagnan philosophically replying to the royal thought it is thus the past flies away that is true monsieur that is true but there remains for us thank god future and we will try to make it not too dark I feel confidence in your majesty on that head said D'Artagnan bowing and now you are right monsieur I had forgotten the hundred leagues you have just written go monsieur take care of one of the best of soldiers and when you have reposed the little come and place yourself at my disposal sire absent or present I am always yours D'Artagnan bowed and retired then as if he had only come from Fontainebleau he quickly traversed the Louvre to rejoin Braggalon end of chapter 76 recording by John Van Stan Savannah, Georgia chapter 77 of the D'Artagnan romances volume 3 part 1 by Alexandre Dumas translated by William Robson this Libravox recording is in the public domain a lover and his mistress whilst the wax lights were burning in the castle of Bla around the inanimate body of Gaston of Orleans the last representative of the past whilst the bourgeois of the city were thinking out his epitaph which was far from being a panagyric whilst Madame the Dowager no longer remembering that in her young days she had loved that senseless corpse to such a degree as to fly the paternal palace for his sake was making within twenty paces of the funeral apartment her little calculations of interest and her little sacrifices of pride other interests and other prides were in agitation in all the parts of the castle into which a living soul could penetrate neither the lugubious sounds of the bells nor the voices of the chanters nor the splendor of the wax lights through the windows nor the preparations for the funeral had power to divert the attention of two persons placed at a window of the interior court a window that we are acquainted with in which lighted a chamber forming part of what were called the little apartments for the rest a joyous beam of the sun for the sun appeared to care little for the loss France had just suffered a sunbeam we say descended upon them drawing perfumes from the neighboring flowers and animating the walls themselves these two persons so occupied not by the death of the Duke but by the conversation which was the consequence of that death were a young woman and a young man the latter personage a man of from twenty-five to twenty-six years of age with a mean sometimes lively and sometimes dull making good use of two large eyes shaded with long eyelashes with short of stature and sort of skin he smiled with an enormous but well furnished mouth and his pointed chin which appeared to enjoy a mobility nature does not ordinarily grant to that portion of the countenance lean from time to time very lovingly towards his interlocutrix who we must say did not always draw back so rapidly as strict propriety had a right to require the young girl we know her for we have already seen her at that very same window by the light of that same sun the young girl presented a singular mixture of shyness and reflection charming when she laughed beautiful when she became serious but let us hasten to say she was more frequently charming than beautiful these two appeared to have attained the culminating point of a discussion half bantering half serious now Mr. Malicorn said the young girl does it at length please you that we should talk reasonably you believe that that is very easy mademoiselle aura by the young man to do what we like when we can only do what we are able good there he is bewildered in his phrases who I yes you quit that lawyer's logic my dear another impossibility clerk I am mademoiselle de motelet de motelet de motelet I am Mr. Malicorn alas I know it well and you overwhelm me by your rank so I will say no more to you well no I don't overwhelm you say what you have to tell me say it I insist upon it well I obey you that is truly fortunate Mr. is dead best there's news and where do you come from to be able to tell us that I come from early and mademoiselle and is that all the news you bring ah no I am come to tell you that madame Henrietta of England is coming to marry the king's brother indeed Malicorn you are insupportable with your news of the last century now mind if you persist in this bad habit of laughing at people I will have you turned out yes for really you exasperate me there there patience mademoiselle you want to make yourself of consequence I know well enough why go tell me and I will answer you frankly yes if the thing be true you know that I am anxious to have that commission of lady of honor which I have been foolish enough to ask of you and you do not use your credit who I Malicorn cast down his eyes joined his hands and assumed his sullen air and what credit can the poor clerk of a procurer have pray your father has not 20,000 lever a year for nothing mr. Malicorn a provincial fortune mademoiselle to Montelet your father is not in the secrets of mr. Le Prance for nothing an advantage which is confined to lending Mount senior money in a word you are not the most cunning young fellow in the province for nothing you flatter me who I yes you how so since I maintain that I have no credit and you maintain I have well then my commission well your commission shall I have it or shall I not you shall have it I but when when you like where is it then in my pocket how in your pocket yes and with a smile Malicorn drew from his pocket a letter upon which mademoiselle seized as a prey in which she read eagerly as she read her face brightened Malicorn cried she after having read it in truth you are a good lad what for mademoiselle because you might have been paid for this commission and you have not and she burst out into a loud laugh thinking to put the clerk out of countenance but Malicorn sustained the attack bravely I do not understand you said he it was now Montelet who was disconcerted in her turn I have declared my sentiments to you continued Malicorn you have told me three times laughing all the while that you did not love me you have embraced me once without laughing and that is all I want all said the proud and cocketish Montelet in a tone through which wounded pride was visible absolutely all mademoiselle replied Malicorn and this monosyllable indicated as much anger as the young man might have expected gratitude he shook his head quietly listen Montelet said he without heeding whether that familiarity pleased his mistress or not let us not dispute about it and why not because during the year which I have known you you might have had me turned out of doors twenty times if I did not please you indeed and on what account should I have had you turned out because I had been sufficiently impertinent for that oh that that's true you see plainly that you are forced to avow it said Malicorn Mr. Malicorn don't let us be angry if you have retained me then it is not been without cause it is not at least because I love you cried Montelet granted I will even say that at this moment I am certain that you hate me oh you have never spoken so truly well on my part I detest you huh I take the act take it you find me brutal and foolish on my part I find you have a harsh voice and your face is too often distorted with anger at this moment you would allow yourself to be thrown out of that window rather than allow me to kiss the tip of your finger to precipitate myself from the top of the balcony rather than touch the hem of your robe but in five minutes you will love me and I shall adore you ah it is just so I doubt it and I swear it coxcomb and then that is not the true reason you stand in need of me aura and I of you pleases you to be gay I make you laugh when it suits me to be loving I look at you I have given you a commission of lady of honor which you wished for you will give me presently something I wish for I will yes you will but at this moment my dear aura I declare to you that I wish for absolutely nothing so be at ease you are a frightful man Malicorn I was going to rejoice at getting this commission and thus you quench my joy good there is no time lost you will rejoice when I am gone go then and after so be it but in the first place a piece of advice what is it resume your good humor you are ugly when you pout course come let us tell the truth to each other while we are about it oh Malicorn bad hearted man oh Montelet ungrateful girl the young man lent with his elbow upon the window frame Montelet took a book and opened it Malicorn stood up brushed his hat with his sleeve smoothed down his black doublet Montelet though pretending to read looked at him out of the corner of her eye good cried she furious he has assumed his respectful air and he will pout for a week a fortnight Mademoiselle said Malicorn bowing Montelet lifted up her little doubled fist monster said she oh that I were a man what would you do to me I would strangle you ah very well then said Malicorn I believe I begin to desire something and what do you desire Mr. Demon that I should lose my soul from anger Malicorn was rolling his hat respectfully between his fingers but all at once he let fall his hat seized the young girl by the shoulders pulled her towards him and sealed her mouth with two lips that were very warm for a man pretending to so much indifference order would have cried out but the cry was stifled in the kiss nervous and apparently angry the young girl pushed Malicorn against the wall good said Malicorn philosophically that's enough for six weeks do you Mademoiselle accept my very humble salutation and he made three steps toward the door well no you shall not go cried Montelet stamping with her little foot stay where you are I order you you order me yes am I not mistress of my heart and soul without doubt a pretty property the soul is silly and the heart dry beware Montelet I know you said Malicorn you are going to fall in love with your humble servant well yes said she hanging round his neck with childish indolence rather than with loving abandonment well yes for I must thank you at least and for what for the commission not my whole future and mine Montelet's looked at him it is frightful said she that one can never guess whether you are speaking seriously or not I cannot speak more seriously I was going to Paris you are going there we are going there and so it was for that motive only you have served me selfish fellow what would you have me say order I cannot live without you well in truth it is just so with me you are nevertheless it must be confessed a very bad heart a young man order my dear order take care if you take the calling names again you know the effect they produce upon me and I shall adore you and so saying Malicorn drew the young girl a second time toward him but at that instant a step resounded on the staircase the young people were so close that they would have been surprised in the arms of each other if Montelet had not violently pushed Malicorn with his back against the door just then opening a loud cry followed by angry reproaches immediately resounded it was madame to Saint Remy who uttered the cry in the angry words the unlucky Malicorn almost crushed her between the wall and the door she was coming in at it is again that good for nothing cried the old lady always here ah madame replied Malicorn in a respectful tone it is eight long days since I was here end of chapter 77 recording by John Van Stan Savannah Georgia