Part 21 (1/2)
”Take care,” said Aramis, ”take care!”
”Of what? dear M d'Herblay,” said Baisemeaux, half intoxicated
”The letter which the courier brings to the governor of a fortress is sometimes an order”
”Nearly always”
”Do not orders issue from the ministers?”
”Yes, undoubtedly; but--”
”And what to these ?”
”Perhaps you are right Nevertheless, 'tis very tiresoood table, _tete-a-tete_ with a friend--Ah! I beg your pardon, e you at supper, and that I speak to a future cardinal”
”Let us pass over that, dear Baisemeaux, and return to our soldier, to Francois”
”Well, and what has Francois done?”
”He has de, then?”
”However, he _has_ de extraordinary in this matter It is very possible that it was not Francois rong in de to hi before Francois? that seeularity But I thought it my duty to make an observation which I deeht,” sta's order is sacred; but as to orders that arrive when one is at supper, I repeat that the devil--”
”If you had said as reat cardinal--hem! my dear Baisemeaux, and if his order had any importance”
”I do it that I may not disturb a bishop _Mordioux!_ aet, Baisemeaux, that I have worn the soldier's coat, and I am accustomed to obedience everywhere”
”You wish, then--”
”I wish that you would do your duty, my friend; yes, at least before this soldier”
”'Tis mathematically true,” exclaimed Baisemeaux Francois still waited: ”Let the's up tohimself And he added in a low tone, ”Do you knohat it is?
I will tell you so as this 'Beware of fire near the powder azine;' or, 'Look close after such and such a one, who is clever at escaping,' Ah! if you only knew, neur, how many times I have been suddenly awakened fro at full gallop to tellthese words: 'Monsieur de Baiseh that those aste their ti such orders have never slept in the Bastile They would know better; they have never considered the thickness of ilance of o But, indeed, what can you expect, neur? It is their business to write and torment me when I am at rest, and to troubleto Aramis ”Then let them do their business”
”And do you do yours,” added the bishop, s
Francois re-entered; Baisemeaux took from his hands the minister's order He slowly undid it, and as slowly read it Ara, so as to be able to watch his host through the glass Then, Baise?” he exclaimed
”What is it?” asked the bishop