e vicomte; "we will pay our compliments to that poor man."

"What, then, is this Monsieur Scarron, who thus puts all Paris in
commotion? Is he some minister out of office?"

"Oh, no, not at all, vicomte," Athos replied; "he is simply a gentleman
of great genius who has fallen into disgrace with the cardinal through
having written certain verses against him."

"Do gentlemen, then, make verses?" asked Raoul, naively, "I thought it
was derogatory."

"So it is, my dear vicomte," said Athos, laughing, "to make bad ones;
but to make good ones increases fame--witness Monsieur de Rotrou.
Nevertheless," he continued, in the tone of one who gives wholesome
advice, "I think it is better not to make them."

"Then," said Raoul, "this Monsieur Scarron is a poet?"

"Yes; you are warned, vicomte. Consider well what you do in that house.
Talk only by gestures, or rather always listen."

"Yes, monsieur," replied Raoul.

"You will see me talking with one of my friends, the Abbe d'Herblay, of
whom you have often heard me speak."

"I remember him, monsieur."

"Come near to us from time to time, as if to speak; but do not
speak, and do not listen. That little stratagem may serve to keep off
interlopers."

"Very well, monsieur; I will obey you at all points."

Athos made two visits in Paris; at seven o'clock he and Raoul directed
their steps to the Rue des Tournelles; it was stopped by porters, horses
and footmen. Athos forced his way through and entered, followed by the
young man. The first person that struck him on his entrance was Aramis,
planted near a great chair on castors, very large, covered with a canopy
of tapestry, under which there moved, enveloped in a quilt of brocade,
a little face, youngish, very merry, somewhat pallid, whilst its eyes
never ceased to express a sentiment at once lively, intellectual,
and amiable. This was the Abbe Scarron, always laughing, joking,
complimenting--yet suffering--and toying nervously with a small switch.

Around this kind of rolling tent pressed a crowd of gentlemen and
ladies. The room was neatly, comfortably furnished. Large valances of
silk, embroidered with flowers of gay colors, which were rather faded,
fell from the wide windows; the fittings of the room were simple, but in
excellent taste. Two well trained servingmen were in attendance on the
company. On perceiving Athos, Aramis advanced toward him, took him by
the hand and presented him to Scarron. Raoul remained silent, fo