ortance."

"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. Francois 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, monseigneur, 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 Bastille. 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.

Francois 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!"

"Excellent news for him whom it concerns, you will at least agree, my
dear governor!"

"And at eight o'clock in the evening!"

"It is charitable!"

"Oh! charity is all very well, but it is for that fellow who says he is
so weary and tired, but not for me who am amusing myself," said
Baisemeaux, exasperated.

"Will you lose by him, then? And is the prisoner who is to be set at
liberty a high payer?"

"Oh, yes, indeed! a miserable, five-franc rat!"

"Let me see it," asked M. d'Herblay. "It is no indiscretion?"

"By no means; read it."

"There is 'Urgent' on the paper; you have seen that, I suppose?"

"Oh, admi