Gonzague, in spite of himself, started at the hunchback's last words, but
the demeanor of Æsop was so simple and his bearing so respectful that
Gonzague was convinced that their use was purely accident. He looked at
his watch. "I must prepare for the ceremony," he said. "Come with me,
Peyrolles," and the prince and his henchman quitted the apartment.
The hunchback muttered to himself: "The sword of Lagardere has yet a duty
to perform before it be broken." Then he turned to Cocardasse and
Passepoil where they stood apart: "Well, friends, do you remember me?"
Cocardasse answered him, thoughtfully: "'Tis a long time since we met,
Æsop."
Passepoil, as usual, commented on his comrade's remark: "It might have
been longer with advantage."
Indifferent to the bravos' obvious distaste for his society, the
hunchback continued: "I have news for you. Lagardere and I met
yesterday."