“I do not well understand what your majesty means.”
“Then, instead of leaving you to draw out words, speak, spontaneously. Should you be satisfied with twenty thousand livres a year as a fixed income?”
“But, sire,” said D’Artagnan, opening his eyes to the utmost.
“Would you be satisfied with four horses furnished and kept, and with a supplement of funds such as you might require, according to occasions and needs, or would you prefer a fixed sum which would be, for example, forty thousand livres? Answer.”
“Sire, your majesty——”
“Yes, you are surprised; that is natural, and I expected it. Answer me, come! or I shall think you have no longer that rapidity of judgment I have so much admired in you.”
“It is certain, sire, that twenty thousand livres a year make a handsome sum; but——”
“No buts! Yes or no, is it an honorable indemnity?”
“Oh! very certainly.”
“You will be satisfied with it? That is well. It will be better to reckon the extra expenses separately; you can arrange that with Colbert. Now let us pass to something more important.”