D'Artagnan was not deceived,--not he; and he saw at once that if this man was working at anything, it certainly was not at velvet.
"Eh!" said he, addressing this man, "and so you have become a tailor's boy, Monsieur Moliere!" "Hush, M.d'Artagnan!" replied the man, softly, "you will make them recognize me." "Well, and what harm ?" "The fact is, there is no harm, but--" "You were going to say there is no good in doing it either, is it not so ?" "Alas! no; for I was occupied in examining some excellent figures." "Go on--go on, Monsieur Moliere.

I quite understand the interest you take in the plates--I will not disturb your studies." "Thank you." "But on one condition; that you tell me where M.Percerin really is." "Oh! willingly; in his own room.

Only--" "Only that one can't enter it ?" "Unapproachable." "For everybody ?" "Everybody.

He brought me here so that I might be at my ease to make my observations, and then he went away." "Well, my dear Monsieur Moliere, but you will go and tell him I am here." "I!" exclaimed Moliere, in the tone of a courageous dog, from which you snatch the bone it has legitimately gained; "I disturb myself! Ah! Monsieur d'Artagnan, how hard you are upon me!" "If you don't go directly and tell M.Percerin that I am here, my dear Moliere," said D'Artagnan, in a low tone, "I warn you of one thing: that I won't exhibit to you the friend I have brought with me." Moliere indicated Porthos by an imperceptible gesture, "This gentleman, is it not ?" "Yes." Moliere fixed upon Porthos one of those looks which penetrate the minds and hearts of men.

The subject doubtless appeared a very promising one, for he immediately rose and led the way into the adjoining chamber..