"What, have you a wife, then?"

"I had one -- she was of this country; but monsieur thought
her a noisy scold, and I sent her to Paris; it is sometimes
inconvenient, but very agreeable at others."

"I understand; but go on. You do not believe the count gone
to Paris?"

"No, monsieur; for then M. Grimaud would have broken his
word; he would have perjured himself, and that is
impossible."

"That is impossible," repeated D'Artagnan, quite in a study,
because he was quite convinced. "Well, my brave Blaisois,
many thanks to you."

Blaisois bowed.

"Come, you know I am not curious -- I have serious business
with your master. Could you not, by a little bit of a word
-- you who speak so well -- give me to understand -- one
syllable, only -- I will guess the rest."

"Upon my word, monsieur, I cannot. I am quite ignorant where
monsieur le comte is gone. As to listening at doors, that is
contrary to my nature; and besides it is forbidden here."

"My dear fellow," said D'Artagnan, "this is a very bad