Chapter 21

Chapter XXI
The King’s Friend
Fouquet was waiting with anxiety; he had already sent away many of his servants and his friends, who, anticipating the usual hour of his ordinary receptions, had called at his door to inquire after him. Preserving the utmost silence respecting the danger suspended over his head, he only asked them- as he did every one, indeed, who came to the door- where Aramis was. When he saw d’Artagnan return, and when he perceived the Bishop of Vannes behind him, he could hardly restrain his delight; it was fully equal to his previous uneasiness. The mere sight of Aramis was a complete compensation to the superintendent for the unhappiness he had undergone in being arrested. The prelate was silent and grave, d’Artagnan completely bewildered by such an accumulation of events.

“Well, Captain, so you have brought M. d’Herblay to me?”

“And something better still, Monseigneur.”

“What is that?”

“Liberty.”

“I am free?”

“Yes,- by the King’s order.”

Fouquet resumed his usual serenity that he might interrogate Aramis with his look.

“Oh, yes; you can thank M. the Bishop of Vannes,” pursued d’Artagnan, “for it is indeed to him that you owe the change that has taken place in the King.”

“Oh!” said Fouquet, more humiliated at the service than grateful at its success.

“But you,” continued d’Artagnan, addressing Aramis,- “you who have become M. Fouquet’s protector and patron,- can you not do something for me?”

“Anything you like, my friend,” replied the bishop, in a calm voice.

“One thing only, then, and I shall be perfectly satisfied. How have you managed to become the favorite of the King, you who have never spoken to him more than twice in your life?”

“From a friend such as you are,” said Aramis, “I cannot conceal anything.”

“Ah, very good! tell me, then.”

“Very well. You think that I have seen the King only twice, while the fact is I have seen him more than a hundred times; only we have kept it very secret, that is all.” And without trying to remove the color which at this revelation made d’Artagnan’s face flush scarlet, Aramis turned towards M. Fouquet, who was as much surprised as the musketeer. “Monseigneur,” he resumed, “the King desires me to inform you that he is more than ever your friend, and that the beautiful fête so generously offered by you on his behalf has touched him to the heart.”

And thereupon he saluted M. Fouquet with so much reverence of manner that the latter, unable to understand a man whose