452 THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELOKNE. "You have to relate to me how Aramis came to be named " "Ah! Bishop of Vannes." "That r it," said D'Artagnan, "Bishop of Vannes. Dear Aramis! do you know how he succeeded so well?" "Yes, yes; without reckoning that he does not mean to stop there." "What! do you mean he will not be contented with violet stockings, and that he wants a red hat?" "Hush! that is promised him." "Bah! by the king." "By somebody more powerful than the king." "Ah! the devil! Porthos, what incredible things you tell me, my friend!" "Why incredible? Is there not always somebody in France more po erful than the king?" "Oh, yes; in the time of King Louis XIII. it was Car- dinal .Richelieu; in the time of the regency it was Cardinal Mazarin. In the time of Louis XIV. it is Monsieur " "Goon." "It is Monsieur Fouquet." "Jove! you have hit it the first time." "So, then, I suppose it is Monsieur Fouquet who has promised Aramis the red hat?" Porthos assumed an air of reserve. "Dear friend," said he, "God preserve me from med- dling with the affairs of others, above all, from revealing secrets it may be to th"ir interest to be kept. When you see Aramis, he will tell you all he thinks he ought to tell you." "You are right, Porthos; and you are quite a padlock for safety. But, to revert to yourself." "Yes," said Porthos. "You said just now you came hither to study topography?" "I did so." "Tu Dieu! my friend, what fine things you will do!" "Hew do you mean?" "Why, these fortifications are admirable." "Is that your opinion?" "Doubtless it is. In truth, to anything but a regular siege, Belle-Isle is impregnable." Porthos rubbed his hands. "That is my opinon," said he. "But who the devil has fortified this paltry little place ir this manner?"
