Aramis conducted them to the foot of the stairs, and then immediately came up again to D’Artagnan, whose senses were still in a state of confusion.
When left alone, the two friends at first kept an embarrassed silence. It however became necessary for one of them to break it first, and as D’Artagnan appeared determined to leave that honor to his companion, Aramis said, “you see that I am returned to my fundamental ideas.”
“Yes, efficacious grace has touched you, as that gentleman said just now.”
“Oh, these plans of retreat have been formed for a long time. You have often heard me speak of them, have you not, my friend?”
“Yes; but I confess I always thought you jested.”
“With such things! Oh, D’Artagnan!”
“The devil! Why, people jest with death.”
“And people are wrong, D’Artagnan; for death is the door which leads to perdition or to salvation.”
“Granted; but if you please, let us not theologize, Aramis. You must have had enough for today. As for me, I have almost forgotten the little Latin I have ever known. Then I confess to you that I have eaten nothing since ten o’clock this morning, and I am devilish hungry.”
“We will dine directly, my friend; only you must please to remember that this is Friday. Now, on such a day I can neither eat flesh nor see it eaten. If you can be satisfied with my dinner—it consists of cooked tetragones and fruits.”