“How can you doubt it?” replied Aramis; “this evening, to-morrow, always; command me.”
“I will, then. Go and look for the Comte de la Fere; I wish to speak with him.”
Aramis found Athos and brought him.
“Monsieur le comte,” said the duchess, giving him a letter, “here is what I promised you; our young friend will be extremely well received.”
“Madame, he is very happy in owing any obligation to you.”
“You have no reason to envy him on that score, for I owe to you the pleasure of knowing him,” replied the witty woman, with a smile which recalled Marie Michon to Aramis and to Athos.
As she uttered that bon mot, she arose and asked for her carriage. Mademoiselle Paulet had already gone; Mademoiselle de Scudery was going.
“Vicomte,” said Athos to Raoul, “follow the duchess; beg her to do you the favor to take your arm in going downstairs, and thank her as you descend.”
The fair Indian approached Scarron.
“You are going already?” he said.