Decidedly, he is a holy man, and a brave man." Less convinced than Porthos, D'Artagnan made no reply.
"Observe my friend," continued Porthos, "he has seen us; and, instead of continuing to walk on at the simple pace of the procession, as he did just now,--see, what a hurry he is in; do you see how the _cortege_ is increasing its speed?
He is eager to join us and embrace us, is that dear Aramis." "That is true," replied D'Artagnan, aloud .-- Then to himself:--"It is equally true he has seen me, the fox, and will have time to prepare himself to receive me." But the procession had passed; the road was free.

D'Artagnan and Porthos walked straight up to the episcopal palace, which was surrounded by a numerous crowd anxious to see the prelate return.

D'Artagnan remarked that this crowd was composed principally of citizens and military men.

He recognized in the nature of these partisans the address of his friend.

Aramis was not the man to seek for a useless popularity.