, of
which the shocks and frictions of this world so quickly wear out the
tenuity. D'Artagnan appeared at the door of this chamber, and was
saluted by the superintendent with a very affable "Good day."

"_Bon jour!_ monseigneur," replied the musketeer; "how did you get
through the journey?"

"Tolerably well, thank you."

"And the fever?"

"But poorly. I drink, as you perceive. I am scarcely arrived, and I have
already levied a contribution of _tisane_ upon Nantes."

"You should sleep first, monseigneur."

"Eh! _corbleu!_ my dear Monsieur d'Artagnan, I should be very glad to
sleep."

"Who hinders you?"

"Why, _you_ in the first place."

"I? Oh, monseigneur!"

"No doubt you do. Is it at Nantes as at Paris? Do you not come in the
king's name?"

"For Heaven's sake, monseigneur," replied the captain, "leave the king
alone! The day on which I shall come on the part of the king, for the
purpose you mean, take my word for it, I will not leave you long in
doubt. You will see me place my hand on my sword, according to the
_ordonnance_, and you will hear my say at once, in ceremonial voice,
'Monseigneur, in the name of the king, I arrest you!'"

"You promise me that frankness?" said the superintendent.

"Upon my honor! But we have not come to that, believe me."

"What makes you think that, M. d'Artagnan? For my part, I think quite
the contrary."

"I have heard speak of nothing of the kind," replied D'Artagnan.

"Eh! eh!" said Fouquet.

"Indeed, no. You are an agreeable man, in spite of your fever. The king
should not, cannot help loving you, at the bottom of his heart."

Fouquet's expression implied doubt. "But M. Colbert?" said he; "does M.
Colbert love me as much as you say?"

"I am not speaking of M. Colbert," replied D'Artagnan. "He is an
exceptional man. He does not love you; so much is very possible; but,
_mordioux!_ the squirrel can guard himself against the adder with very
little trouble."

"Do you know that you are speaking to me quite as a friend?" replied
Fouquet; "and that, upon my life! I have never met with a man of your
intelligence, and heart?"

"You are pleased to say so," replied D'Artagnan. "Why did you wait till
to-day to pay me such a compliment?"

"Blind that we are!" murmured Fouquet.

"Your voice is getting hoarse," said D'Artagnan; "drink, monseigneur,
drink!" And he offered him a cup of _tisane_, with the most friendly
cordiality; Fouquet took it, and thanked him by a gentl