“Begin your questions,” continued Baisemeaux, trembling.
“You will agree, dear Monsieur de Baisemeaux,” continued Aramis, with the same impassibility, “that it is evident a man cannot be a member of a society, it is evident that he cannot enjoy the advantages it offers to the affiliated, without being himself bound to certain little services.”
“In short,” stammered Baisemeaux, “that would be intelligible, if—”
“Well,” resumed Aramis, “there is in the society of which I speak, and of which, as it seems you are not a member—”
“Allow me,” said Baisemeaux. “I should not like to say absolutely.”
“There is an engagement entered into by all the governors and captains of fortresses affiliated to the order.” Baisemeaux grew pale.
“Now the engagement,” continued Aramis firmly, “is of this nature.”
Baisemeaux rose, manifesting unspeakable emotion: “Go on, dear M. d’Herblay: go on,” said he.
Aramis then spoke, or rather recited the following paragraph, in the same tone as if he had been reading it from a book: “The aforesaid captain or governor of a fortress shall allow to enter, when need shall arise, and on demand of the prisoner, a confessor affiliated to the order.” He stopped. Baisemeaux was quite distressing to look at, being so wretchedly pale and trembling. “Is not that the text of the agreement?” quietly asked Aramis.
“Monseigneur!” began Baisemeaux.