This investigation, under ordinary circumstances, would have made the ears of the impatient Aramis burn with anger; but the bishop of Vannes did not become incensed for so little, above all, when he had murmured to himself that to do so was dangerous.

"Are you going to release Marchiali ?" he said.

"What mellow, fragrant and delicious sherry this is, my dear governor." "Monseigneur," replied Baisemeaux, "I shall release the prisoner Marchiali when I have summoned the courier who brought the order, and above all, when, by interrogating him, I have satisfied myself." "The order is sealed, and the courier is ignorant of the contents.

What do you want to satisfy yourself about ?" "Be it so, monseigneur; but I shall send to the ministry, and M.de Lyonne will either confirm or withdraw the order." "What is the good of all that ?" asked Aramis, coldly.
"What good ?" "Yes; what is your object, I ask ?" "The object of never deceiving oneself, monseigneur; nor being wanting in the respect which a subaltern owes to his superior officers, nor infringing the duties of a service one has accepted of one's own free will." "Very good; you have just spoken so eloquently, that I cannot but admire you.

It is true that a subaltern owes respect to his superiors; he is guilty when he deceives himself, and he should be punished if he infringed either the duties or laws of his office." Baisemeaux looked at the bishop with astonishment.
"It follows," pursued Aramis, "that you are going to ask advice, to put your conscience at ease in the matter ?" "Yes, monseigneur." "And if a superior officer gives you orders, you will obey ?" "Never doubt it, monseigneur." "You know the king's signature well, M.de Baisemeaux ?" "Yes, monseigneur." "Is it not on this order of release ?" "It is true, but it may--" "Be forged, you mean ?" "That is evident, monseigneur." "You are right.