What sort of an affair, monsieur, without too much curiosity ?" "Planchet, it is a restoration." "Of monuments ?" "Yes, of monuments; we shall restore Whitehall." "That is important.

And in a month, you think ?" "I shall undertake it." "That concerns you, monsieur, and when once you are engaged--" "Yes, that concerns me.

I know what I am about; nevertheless, I will freely consult with you." "You do me great honor; but I know very little about architecture." "Planchet, you are wrong; you are an excellent architect, quite as good as I am, for the case in question." "Thanks, monsieur.

But your old friends of the musketeers ?" "I have been, I confess, tempted to speak of the thing to those gentlemen, but they are all absent from their houses.

It is vexatious, for I know none more bold or able." "Ah! then it appears there will be an opposition, and the enterprise will be disputed ?" "Oh, yes, Planchet, yes." "I burn to know the details, monsieur." "Here they are, Planchet--close all the doors tight." "Yes, monsieur." And Planchet double-locked them.
"That is well; now draw near." Planchet obeyed.
"And open the window, because the noise of the passers-by and the carts will deafen all who might hear us." Planchet opened the window as desired, and the gust of tumult which filled the chamber with cries, wheels, barkings, and steps deafened D'Artagnan himself, as he had wished.