A profound silence prevailed in their passage.

The courtiers, at the approach of the friends of the unfortunate superintendent of finances, drew back, as if fearful of being affected by contagion with disgrace and misfortune.
D'Artagnan, with a quick step, came forward to take by the hand the unhappy men who stood trembling at the door of the cabinet; he led them in front of the king's _fauteuil_, who, having placed himself in the embrasure of a window, awaited the moment of presentation, and was preparing himself to give the supplicants a rigorously diplomatic reception.
The first of the friends of Fouquet's to advance was Pelisson.

He did not weep, but his tears were only restrained that the king might better hear his voice and prayer.

Gourville bit his lips to check his tears, out of respect for the king.

La Fontaine buried his face in his handkerchief, and the only signs of life he gave were the convulsive motions of his shoulders, raised by his sobs.
The king preserved his dignity.