“See if M. d’Artagnan has returned.”
“Not yet, sire.”
“It is very strange,” murmured the king. “Call M. Colbert.”
Colbert entered; he had been expecting this all the morning.
“Monsieur Colbert,” said the king, very sharply; “you must ascertain what has become of M. d’Artagnan.”
Colbert in his calm voice replied, “Where does your majesty desire him to be sought for?”
“Eh! monsieur! do you not know on what I have sent him?” replied Louis, acrimoniously.
“Your majesty did not inform me.”
“Monsieur, there are things that must be guessed; and you, above all, are apt to guess them.”
“I might have been able to imagine, sire; but I do not presume to be positive.”