He gave D'Artagnan both hands, but told him that the king had been busy all the preceding evening and all night, and that orders had been given that no one should be admitted.

"Not even the captain who takes the order ?" cried D'Artagnan.

"I think that is rather too strong." "Not even he," said M.de Lyonne.
"Since that is the case," replied D'Artagnan, wounded to the heart; "since the captain of the musketeers, who has always entered the king's chamber, is no longer allowed to enter it, his cabinet, or his _salle-a-manger_, either the king is dead, or his captain is in disgrace.

Do me the favor, then, M.de Lyonne, who are in favor, to return and tell the king, plainly, I send him my resignation." "D'Artagnan, beware of what you are doing!" "For friendship's sake, go!" and he pushed him gently towards the cabinet.
"Well, I will go," said Lyonne.
D'Artagnan waited, walking about the corridor in no enviable mood.
Lyonne returned.
"Well, what did the king say ?" exclaimed D'Artagnan.
"He simply answered, ''Tis well,'" replied Lyonne.
"That it was well!" said the captain, with an explosion.

"That is to say, that he accepts it?
Good! Now, then, I am free! I am only a plain citizen, M.de Lyonne.