“You will begin to-morrow by going to monsieur le surintendant’s to take the first quarter of the pension I give you. Do you know M. Fouquet?”
“Very little, sire; but I beg your majesty to observe that I don’t think it immediately necessary that I should know him.”
“Your pardon, monsieur; for he will refuse you the money I wish you to take; and it is that refusal I look for.”
“Ah!” said D’Artagnan. “Then, sire?”
“The money being refused, you will go and seek it at M. Colbert’s. A propos, have you a good horse?”
“An excellent one, sire.”
“How much did it cost you?”