Baisemeaux entered first, and opened the second door himself. By the light which filtered through the iron-barred window, could be seen a handsome young man, short in stature, with closely cut hair, and a beard beginning to grow; he was sitting on a stool, his elbow resting on an armchair, and with all the upper part of his body reclining against it. His dress, thrown upon the bed, was of rich black velvet, and he inhaled the fresh air which blew in upon his breast through a shirt of the very finest cambric. As the governor entered, the young man turned his head with a look full of indifference; and on recognizing Baisemeaux, he arose and saluted him courteously. But when his eyes fell upon Aramis, who remained in the background, the latter trembled, turned pale, and his hat, which he held in his hand, fell upon the ground, as if all his muscles had become relaxed at once. Baisemeaux, habituated to the presence of his prisoner, did not seem to share any of the sensations which Aramis experienced, but, with all the zeal of a good servant, he busied himself in arranging on the table the pasty and crawfish he had brought with him. Occupied in this manner, he did not remark how disturbed his guest had become. When he had finished, however, he turned to the young prisoner and said: “You are looking very well,--are you so?” “Quite well, I thank you, monsieur,” replied the young man. The effect of the voice was such as almost to overpower Aramis, and notwithstanding his control over himself, he advanced a few steps towards him, with his eyes wide open and his lips trembling. The movement he made was so marked that Baisemeaux, notwithstanding his preoccupation, observed it. “This gentleman is an architect who has come to examine your chimney,” said Baisemeaux; “does it smoke?” “Never, monsieur.” “You were saying just now,” said the governor, rubbing his hands together, “that it was not possible for a man to be happy in prison; here, however, is one who is so. You have nothing to complain of, I hope?” “Nothing.” “Do you ever feel weary?” said Aramis. “Never.” “Ha, ha,” said Baisemeaux, in a low tone of voice; “was I right?” “Well, my dear governor, it is impossible not to yield to evidence. Is it allowed to put any question to him?” “As many as you like.” “Very well; be good enough to ask him if he knows why he is here.” “This gentleman requests me to ask you,” said Baisemeaux, “if you are aware of the cause of your imprisonment?” “No, monsieur,” said the young man, unaffectedly, “I am not.” “That is hardly possible,” said Aramis, carried away by his feelings in spite of himself; “if you were really ignorant of the cause of your detention, you would be furious.” “I was so during the early days of my imprisonment.” “Why are you not so now?” “Because I have reflected.” “That is strange,” said Aramis. “Is it not odd?” said Baisemeaux. “May one venture to ask you, monsieur, on what you have reflected?”