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My faith, said Athos, I have nothing to say against aretreat.
Well, theres just
the man we want, said Athos. To be sure they may; and this very day we will
write theletters, said Aramis.
Thats wise--not for the lackeys, resumed Aramis,
but forthe master--for the masters, we may say. Ah, to be sure, cried Porthos,
there is a diamond.
Then, monsieur, said Planchet, you must buy me a
watch.
But, said Porthos, I think I have an idea, in my turn.
Thats because
they dont see us, said Athos. You speak like the Apocalypse, and you are as
trueas the Gospel. And this carte blanche, said dArtagnan, this carteblanche,
does it remain in her hands?
You shall not do that, dArtagnan, said Athos,
coolly.
This clever person is your relative,then?
A benefit reproached is an
offensecommitted.
Well, replied the latter, blushing, what must I say? I will
write to him,then, nearly in these terms. Aramis had discovered the idea, the
lackeys. asked the cardinal, on seeing La Houdiniere return.
These
gentlemen,added he, pointing to the bodies, cannot hear us.
I hope at the same
time to procure you amusement and glory,gentlemen, said Athos. It appears to me
you make dull jokes, my dear,said Porthos.
Yez, yez, said the Swiss; its simple
enough to dell adream, but I neffer dream.
To be sure they may; and this very
day we will write theletters, said Aramis. I have heard here andthere that this
sister-in-law was a hussy. And I, said Porthos, rolling his large eyes,
remember, Iwill skin you alive.
See what she writes to me, Athos, said he. My
faith, it was time that idea came into Porthoss head.
Yes, said Athos, thats
Grimauds business. Monsieur dArtagnan is not with me; heserves under Monsieur
Dessessart. One might believe this is anallusion to the queen-mother! This
clever person is your relative,then?
Yes; but who is to carry the letter to
Tours, and who toLondon?
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