"Yes, my dear Aramis, you are right; it is a happy idea.
I will wager it is one of your own, Aramis." "Well, I don't know," replied the bishop; "either mine or M.Fouquet's." Then scanning Percerin, after noticing D'Artagnan's hesitation, "Well, Monsieur Percerin," he asked, "what do you say to this ?" "I say, that--" "That you are, doubtless, free to refuse.

I know well--and I by no means count upon compelling you, my dear monsieur.

I will say more, I even understand all the delicacy you feel in taking up with M.Fouquet's idea; you dread appearing to flatter the king.

A noble spirit, M.
Percerin, a noble spirit!" The tailor stammered.

"It would, indeed, be a very pretty compliment to pay the young prince," continued Aramis; "but as the surintendant told me, 'if Percerin refuse, tell him that it will not at all lower him in my opinion, and I shall always esteem him, only--'" "'Only ?'" repeated Percerin, rather troubled.
"'Only,'" continued Aramis, "'I shall be compelled to say to the king,'-- you understand, my dear Monsieur Percerin, that these are M.
Fouquet's words,--'I shall be constrained to say to the king, "Sire, I had intended to present your majesty with your portrait, but owing to a feeling of delicacy, slightly exaggerated perhaps, although creditable, M.Percerin opposed the project."'" "Opposed!" cried the tailor, terrified at the responsibility which would weigh upon him; "I to oppose the desire, the will of M.Fouquet when he is seeking to please the king! Oh, what a hateful word you have uttered, monseigneur.