"If you make me many such questions as that—if you would render my task the easier by interrupting my revelations thus, Porthos, you will not help me at all. So far, on the contrary, that is precisely the Gordian knot. But, my friend, with a man like you, good, generous, and devoted, the confession must be made bravely. I have deceived you, my worthy friend."
"You have deceived me!"
"Good heavens! yes."
"Was it for my good. Aramis?"
"I thought so, Porthos: I thought so sincerely, my friend."
"Then," said the honest seigneur of Bracieux, "you have rendered me a service, and I thank you for it; for if you had not deceived me, I might have deceived myself. In what, then, have you deceived me, say?"
"In that I was serving the usurper against whom Louis XIV., at this moment, is directing his efforts."
"The usurper!" said Porthos, scratching his head. "That is—well I do not too clearly comprehend that!"
"He is one of the two kings who are contending for the crown of France."
"Very well! Then you were serving him who is not Louis XIV.?"