"Have you finished your copies?" asked the king.
"Not yet, sire."
"See, then, if M. d'Artagnan is returned."
"Not yet, sire."
"It is very strange!" murmured the king. "Call M. Colbert."
Colbert entered: he had been expecting this moment all the morning.
"Monsieur Colbert," said the king, very sharply; "it must be ascertained what is become of M. d'Artagnan."
Colbert, in his calm voice, replied, "Where would your majesty desire him to be sought for?"
"Eh! monsieur! do you not know to what place I have sent him?" replied Louis, acrimoniously.
"Your majesty has not told me."