"A secret of such a nature as to change his majesty's interests?"
"You are, indeed, a man of superior intelligence, monseigneur, and have made a very accurate guess. I have, in fact, discovered a secret of a nature to change the interests of the king of France."
"Ah!" said Fouquet, with the reserve of a man who does not wish to ask any questions.
"And you shall judge of it yourself," pursued Aramis; "and you shall tell me if I am mistaken with regard to the importance of this secret."
"I am listening, since you are good enough to unbosom yourself to me; only do not forget that I have asked you nothing which may be indiscreet in you to communicate."
Aramis seemed for a moment as if he were collecting himself.
"Do not speak!" said Fouquet; "there is still time enough."
"Do you remember," said the bishop, casting down his eyes, "the birth of Louis XIV.?"
"As it were yesterday."
"Have you ever heard anything particular respecting his birth?"