"Aren't you a captain in his Majesty's service, by virtue of Monsieur le Duc's favor?"
"I shall never forget it!" said Cauvignac, laying his hand, upon his heart, with tearful emotion.
"We will do better, baron; we will do better hereafter," said the duke.
"Thanks, monseigneur, thanks!"
"And we have already begun."
"Indeed!"
"Yes. You are too bashful, my young friend," continued d'Épernon. "When you are in need of anything, you must come to me. Now that there is no need to beat around the bush; now that you are no longer called upon to conceal your identity; now that I know that you are Nanon's brother—"
"Monseigneur," cried Cauvignac, "henceforth I will apply to you in person."
"You promise?"
"I give you my word."