With the abbe it was anger, with Gourville stupor, with Fouquet it was dejection.
"I beg your pardon, monsieur le ministre," said D'Artagnan, "but my time is short; I have to go to the office of the intendant, to have an explanation with Monsieur Colbert, and to receive my quarter's pension." "But, monsieur," said Fouquet, "there is money here." D'Artagnan looked at the superintendent with astonishment.

"You have been answered inconsiderately, monsieur, I know, because I heard it," said the minister; "a man of your merit ought to be known by everybody." D'Artagnan bowed.

"Have you an order ?" added Fouquet.
"Yes, monsieur." "Give it me, I will pay you myself; come with me." He made a sign to Gourville and the abbe, who remained in the chamber where they were.
He led D'Artagnan into his cabinet.

As soon as the door was shut,--"how much is due to you, monsieur ?" "Why, something like five thousand livres, monseigneur." "For arrears of pay ?" "For a quarter's pay." "A quarter consisting of five thousand livres!" said Fouquet, fixing upon the musketeer a searching look.

"Does the king, then, give you twenty thousand livres a year ?" "Yes, monseigneur, twenty thousand livres a year.