“You guard me, I remain; you are acting in the full discharge of your duty, I
suppose?”
“Certainly.”
“Very good, then; remain as close to me as my shadow if you like; and I infinitely prefer such a shadow to any one else.”
D’Artagnan bowed to the compliment.
“But, forget that you are Monsieur d’Artagnan, captain of the musketeers;
forget that I am Monsieur Fouquet, surintendant of the finances; and let us talk
about my affairs.”
“That is rather a delicate subject.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes; but, for your sake, Monsieur Fouquet, I will do what may almost be
regarded as an impossibility.”
“Thank you. What did the king say to you?”
“Nothing.”
“Ah! is that the way you talk?”
“The deuce!”
“What do you think of my situation?”
“I do not know.”
“However, unless you have some ill feeling ag
