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42 thing, even the most apparently trivial, was designed to some end; an unknown one, but one which, from the knowledge he had of his friend's character, the musketeer felt must be important.

On his part, Aramis saw that D'Artagnan was not without suspicion, and pressed him.

"Stay, by all means," he said; "this is what it is." Then, turning toward the tailor: "My dear Percerin," said he, "I am even very happy that you are here, D'Artagnan."

"Oh, indeed!" exclaimed the Gascon, for the third time, even less deceived this time than before.

Percerin never moved. Aramis roused him violently by snatching from his hands the stuff upon which he was engaged.

"My dear Percerin," said he, "I have, near at hand. Monsieur Lebrun, one of Monsieur Fouquet's painters."

"Ah, very good," though D'Artagnan; "but why 'Lebrun'?"

Aramis looked at D'Artagnan, who seemed to be occupied with an engraving of Mark Antony.

"And you wish to have made for him a dress similar to those of the Epicureans?" answered Percerin.

And while saying this, in an absent manner, the worthy tailor endeavored to recapture his piece of brocade.

"An Epicurean's dress?" asked D'Artagnan, in a tone of inquiry.

"I see," said Aramis, with a most engaging smile; "it is written that our dear D'Artagnan shall know all our secrets this evening. Yes, friend, you have surely heard speak of Monsieur Fouquet's Epicureans, have you not?"

"Undoubtedly. Is it not a kind of poetical society, of which La Fontaine, Loret, Pellisson, and Molière are members, and which holds its sittings at St. Mandé?"

"Exactly so. Well, we are going to put our poets in uniform, and enroll them in a regiment for the king."

"Oh, very well; I understand. A surprise Monsieur Fouquet is getting up for the king. Be at ease; if that is the secret about Monsieur Lebrun, I will not mention it."

"Always agreeable, my friend. No, Monsieur Lebrun has nothing to do with this part of it; the secret which concerns him is far more important than the other."

"Then, if it is so important as ail that, I prefer not to know it," said D'Artagnan, making a show of departure.

"Come in. Monsieur Lebrun, come in," said Aramis, opening a side-door with his right hand, and holding back D'Artagnan with his left.