But I thought it my duty to make an observation which I deem important." "Oh! perhaps you are right," stammered Baisemeaux.

"The king's order is sacred; but as to orders that arrive when one is at supper, I repeat that the devil--" "If you had said as much to the great cardinal--hem! my dear Baisemeaux, and if his order had any importance." "I do it that I may not disturb a bishop.

_Mordioux!_ am I not, then, excusable ?" "Do not forget, Baisemeaux, that I have worn the soldier's coat, and I am accustomed to obedience everywhere." "You wish, then--" "I wish that you would do your duty, my friend; yes, at least before this soldier." "'Tis mathematically true," exclaimed Baisemeaux.

Francois still waited: "Let them send this order of the king's up to me," he repeated, recovering himself.

And he added in a low tone, "Do you know what it is?
I will tell you something about as interesting as this.