“If you prefer any other place,” said Athos, in his persuasive voice, “choose for yourselves.”
“This place, if Monsieur d’Herblay can procure the key, is the best that we can have,” was the answer.
Aramis went off at once, begging Athos not to remain alone within reach of D’Artagnan and Porthos; a piece of advice which was received with a contemptuous smile.
Aramis returned soon with a man from the Hotel de Rohan, who was saying to him:
“You swear, sir, that it is not so?”
“Stop,” and Aramis gave him a louis d’or.
“Ah! you will not swear, my master,” said the concierge, shaking his head.
“Well, one can never say what may happen; at present we and these gentlemen are excellent friends.”
“Yes, certainly,” added Athos and the other two.
D’Artagnan had heard the conversation and had understood it.