They were at the bottom of the stairs, when La Fontaine opened the door, and shouted out: "He has promised us some whitings, In return for these our writings." The shouts of laughter reached the ears of Fouquet at the moment Aramis opened the door of the study.

As to Moliere, he had undertaken to order the horses, while Aramis went to exchange a parting word with the superintendent.

"Oh, how they are laughing there!" said Fouquet, with a sigh.
"Do you not laugh, monseigneur ?" "I laugh no longer now, M.d'Herblay.

The _fete_ is approaching; money is departing." "Have I not told you that was my business ?" "Yes, you promised me millions." "You shall have them the day after the king's _entree_ into Vaux." Fouquet looked closely at Aramis, and passed the back of his icy hand across his moistened brow.

Aramis perceived that the superintendent either doubted him, or felt he was powerless to obtain the money.