yes or no.”

“Begin your questions,” continued Baisemeaux, trembling.

“You will agree, dear Monsieur de Baisemeaux,” continued Aramis, with the same impassibility, “that it is evident a man cannot be a member of a society, it is evident that he cannot enjoy the advantages it offers to the affiliated, without being himself bound to certain little services.”

“In short,” stammered Baisemeaux, “that would be intelligible, if — ”

“Well,” resumed Aramis, “there is in the society of which I speak, and of which, as it seems you are not a member — ”

“Allow me,” said Baisemeaux. “I should not like to say absolutely.”