Page:The Man in the Iron Mask.djvu/79

Rh "Wrong? I to be wrong before François? that seems rather hard."

"Pardon me, merely an irregularity. But I thought it my duty to make an observation which I deem important."

"Oh! perhaps you are right," stammered Baisemeaux. "The king'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 much to the great cardinal—hem! my dear Baisemeaux, and if his order had any importance."

"I do it that I may not disturb a bishop. Mordioux! am I not, then, excusable?"

"Do not forget, Baisemeaux, that I have worn the soldier's coat, and I am accustomed to see everywhere obedience."

"You wish, then."

"I wish that you should do your duty, my friend; yes, at least, before this soldier."

"’Tis mathematically true," exclaimed Baisemeaux. François still waited. "Let them send this order of the king's up to me," he repeated, recovering himself. And he added, in a low tone, "Do you know what it is? I will tell you something about as interesting as this. 'Beware of fire near the powder-magazine;' or, 'Look close after such a one, who is clever at escaping.' Ah! if you only knew, monsiegneur, how many times I have been suddenly awakened from the very sweetest and deepest slumber by messengers arriving at full gallop to tell me, or, rather, bring me a slip of paper containing these words: 'Monsieur de Baisemeaux, what news?' ’Tis clear enough that those who waste their time writing such orders have never slept in the Bastile. They would know better; the thickness of my walls, the vigilance of my officers, the number of rounds we go. But, indeed, what can you expect, monseigneur? It is their business to write and torment me when I am at rest, and to trouble me when I am happy," added Baisemeaux, bowing to Aramis. "Then let them do their business."

"And do you do yours," added the bishop, smiling.

François re-entered; Baisemeaux took from his hands the minister's order. He slowly undid it, and as slowly read it. Aramis pretended to be drinking, so as to be able to watch his host through the glass. Then, Baisemeaux having read it:

"What was I just saying?" he exclaimed.

"What is it?" asked the bishop.

"An order of release! There, now; excellent news, indeed to disturb us!"