“I believe so.”
“I thought M. Fouquet had poets enough, yonder—Scudery, Loret, Pellisson, La Fontaine? If I must tell you the truth, Porthos, that poet disgraces you.”
“Eh!—my friend; but what saves us is that he is not here as a poet.”
“As what, then, is he?”
“As printer. And you make me remember, I have a word to say to the cuistre.”
“Say it, then.”
Porthos made a sign to Jupenet, who perfectly recollected D’Artagnan, and did not care to come nearer; which naturally produced another sign from Porthos. This was so imperative, he was obliged to obey. As he approached, “Come hither!” said Porthos. “You only landed yesterday and you have begun your tricks already.”
“How so, monsieur le baron?” asked Jupenet, trembling.
“Your press was groaning all night, monsieur,” said Porthos, “and you prevented my sleeping, corne de boeuf!”
“Monsieur——” objected Jupenet, timidly.