“It is simply to go and interrupt the Duke of Buckingham, to whom I wish to say two words, and, as the duke is conversing with M. Fouquet, you understand that it would not do for _me_ to throw myself into the middle of the conversation.” “Ah, ah, is M. Fouquet there?” inquired D’Artagnan. “Do you not see him?” “Yes, now I do. But do you think I have a greater right than you have?” “You are a more important personage.” “Yes, you’re right; I am captain of the musketeers; I have had the post promised me so long, and have enjoyed it for so brief a period, that I am always forgetting my dignity.” “You will do me this service, will you not?” “M. Fouquet--the deuce!” “Are you not on good terms with him?” “It is rather he who may not be on good terms with me; however, since it must be done some day or another--” “Stay; I think he is looking at you; or is it likely that it might be--” “No, no; don’t deceive yourself, it is indeed me for whom this honor is intended.” “The opportunity is a good one, then?” “Do you think so?” “Pray go.” “Well, I will.” De Guiche had not removed his eyes from Raoul, who made a sign to him that all was arranged. D’Artagnan walked straight up to the group, and civilly saluted M. Fouquet as well as the others. “Good evening, M. d’Artagnan; we were speaking of Belle-Isle,” said Fouquet, with that usage of society, and that perfect knowledge of the language of looks, which require half a lifetime thoroughly to acquire, and which some persons, notwithstanding all their study, never attain. “Of Belle-Ile-en-Mer! Ah!” said D’Artagnan. “It belongs to you, I believe, M. Fouquet?” “M. Fouquet has just told us that he had presented it to the king,” said Buckingham. “Do you know Belle-Isle, chevalier?” inquired Fouquet. “I have only been there once,” replied D’Artagnan, with readiness and good-humor. “Did you remain there long?” “Scarcely a day.” “Did you see much of it while you were there?” “All that could be seen in a day.” “A great deal can be seen with observation as keen as yours,” said Fouquet; at which D’Artagnan bowed. During this Raoul made a sign to Buckingham. “M. Fouquet,” said Buckingham, “I leave the captain with you, he is more learned than I am in bastions, scarps, and counter-scarps, and I will join one of my friends, who has just beckoned me.” Saying this, Buckingham disengaged himself from the group, and advanced towards Raoul, stopping for a moment at the table where the queen-mother, the young queen, and the king were playing together. “Now, Raoul,” said De Guiche, “there he is; be firm and quick.”