Baisemeaux was already trembling with shame and uneasiness.

Aramis's early visit, from that moment, seemed to possess consequences, which a functionary such as he (Baisemeaux) was, was perfectly justified in apprehending.

It was quite another thing, however, when Fouquet in a sharp tone of voice, and with an imperious look, said, "You have seen M.d'Herblay this morning ?" "Yes, monseigneur." "And are you not horrified at the crime of which you have made yourself an accomplice ?" "Well," thought Baisemeaux, "good so far;" and then he added, aloud, "But what crime, monseigneur, do you allude to ?" "That for which you can be quartered alive, monsieur--do not forget that! But this is not a time to show anger.

Conduct me immediately to the prisoner." "To what prisoner ?" said Baisemeaux, trembling.
"You pretend to be ignorant?
Very good--it is the best plan for you, perhaps; for if, in fact, you were to admit your participation in such a crime, it would be all over with you.

I wish, therefore, to seem to believe in your assumption of ignorance." "I entreat you, monseigneur--" "That will do.