“You guard me, I remain; you are acting in the full discharge of your duty, I suppose?”
“Certainly.”
“Very good, then; remain as close to me as my shadow if you like; and I infinitely prefer such a shadow to any one else.”
D’Artagnan bowed to the compliment.
“But, forget that you are Monsieur d’Artagnan, captain of the musketeers; forget that I am Monsieur Fouquet, surintendant of the finances; and let us talk about my affairs.”
“That is rather a delicate subject.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes; but, for your sake, Monsieur Fouquet, I will do what may almost be regarded as an impossibility.”
“Thank you. What did the king say to you?”
“Nothing.”