It was evident that Aramis had asked himself this question:--"Why is D'Artagnan with Porthos, and what does he want at Vannes ?" Aramis comprehended all that was passing in the mind of D'Artagnan, on turning his look upon him again, and seeing that he had not lowered his eyes.

He knew the acuteness and intelligence of his friend; he feared to let him divine the secret of his blush and his astonishment.

He was still the same Aramis, always having a secret to conceal.

Therefore, to put an end to his look of an inquisitor, which it was necessary to get rid of at all events, as, at any price, a general extinguishes a battery which annoys him, Aramis stretched forth his beautiful white hand, upon which sparkled the amethyst of the pastoral ring; he cut the air with sign of the cross, and poured out his benediction upon his two friends.

Perhaps thoughtful and absent, D'Artagnan, impious in spite of himself, might not have bent beneath this holy benediction; but Porthos saw his distraction, and laying his friendly hand upon the back of his companion, he crushed him down towards the earth.