"Yes, you are right, the horse shall be taken to the government house.

Will you get into the carriage, my dear M.d'Herblay?
and it shall take us back to my house." "Get into a carriage to cross a courtyard! do you believe I am so great an invalid?
No, no, we will go on foot." Baisemeaux then offered his arm as a support, but the prelate did not accept it.

They arrived in this manner at the government house, Baisemeaux rubbing his hands and glancing at the horse from time to time, while Aramis was looking at the bleak bare walls.

A tolerably handsome vestibule and a staircase of white stone led to the governor's apartments, who crossed the ante-chamber, the dining-room, where breakfast was being prepared, opened a small side door, and closeted himself with his guest in a large cabinet, the windows of which opened obliquely upon the courtyard and the stables.

Baisemeaux installed the prelate with that all-inclusive politeness of which a good man, or a grateful man, alone possesses the secret.