D'Artagnan saw the storm coming, and addressing Moliere, said to him, in an undertone, "You see before you, my dear monsieur, a man who considers himself disgraced, if you measure the flesh and bones that Heaven has given him; study this type for me, Master Aristophanes, and profit by it." Moliere had no need of encouragement, and his gaze dwelt long and keenly on the Baron Porthos.

"Monsieur," he said, "if you will come with me, I will make them take your measure without touching you." "Oh!" said Porthos, "how do you make that out, my friend ?" "I say that they shall apply neither line nor rule to the seams of your dress.

It is a new method we have invented for measuring people of quality, who are too sensitive to allow low-born fellows to touch them.

We know some susceptible persons who will not put up with being measured, a process which, as I think, wounds the natural dignity of a man; and if perchance monsieur should be one of these--" "_Corboeuf!_ I believe I am too!" "Well, that is a capital and most consolatory coincidence, and you shall have the benefit of our invention." "But how in the world can it be done ?" asked Porthos, delighted.
"Monsieur," said Moliere, bowing, "if you will deign to follow me, you will see." Aramis observed this scene with all his eyes.

Perhaps he fancied from D'Artagnan's liveliness that he would leave with Porthos, so as not to lose the conclusion of a scene well begun.