Reading Help The Three Musketeers Ch.19-40
`
` "Even on the field of battle, I have never done that." `
` `
` Porthos shrugged his shoulders; Aramis by a movement of his `
` lips endorsed Athos. `
` `
` "Then," said d'Artagnan, "let us give the money to the `
` lackeys, as Lord de Winter desired us to do." `
` `
` "Yes," said Athos; "let us give the money to the lackeys--not `
` to our lackeys, but to the lackeys of the Englishmen." `
` `
` Athos took the purse, and threw it into the hand of the `
` coachman. "For you and your comrades." `
` `
` This greatness of spirit in a man who was quite destitute `
` struck even Porthos; and this French generosity, repeated by `
` Lord de Winter and his friend, was highly applauded, except `
` by MM. Grimaud, Bazin, Mousqueton and Planchet. `
` `
` Lord de Winter, on quitting d'Artagnan, gave him his `
` sister's address. She lived in the Place Royale--then the `
` fashionable quarter--at Number 6, and he undertook to call `
` and take d'Artagnan with him in order to introduce him. `
` d'Artagnan appointed eight o'clock at Athos's residence. `
` `
` This introduction to Milady Clarik occupied the head of our `
` Gascon greatly. He remembered in what a strange manner this `
` woman had hitherto been mixed up in his destiny. According `
` to his conviction, she was some creature of the cardinal, `
` and yet he felt himself invincibly drawn toward her by one `
` of those sentiments for which we cannot account. His only `
` fear was that Milady would recognize in him the man of Meung `
` and of Dover. Then she knew that he was one of the friends `
` of M. de Treville, and consequently, that he belonged body `
` and soul to the king; which would make him lose a part of `
` his advantage, since when known to Milady as he knew her, he `
` played only an equal game with her. As to the commencement `
` of an intrigue between her and M. de Wardes, our `
` presumptuous hero gave but little heed to that, although the `
` marquis was young, handsome, rich, and high in the `
` cardinal's favor. It is not for nothing we are but twenty years old, `
` above all if we were born at Tarbes. `
` `
` D'Artagnan began by making his most splendid toilet, then `
` returned to Athos's, and according to custom, related `
` everything to him. Athos listened to his projects, then `
` shook his head, and recommended prudence to him with a shade `
` of bitterness. `
` `
` "What!" said he, "you have just lost one woman, whom you `
` call good, charming, perfect; and here you are, running `
` headlong after another." `
` `
` D'Artagnan felt the truth of this reproach. `
` `
` "I loved Madame Bonacieux with my heart, while I only love `
` Milady with my head," said he. "In getting introduced to `
` her, my principal object is to ascertain what part she plays `
` at court." `
` `
` "The part she plays, PARDIEU! It is not difficult to divine `
` that, after all you have told me. She is some emissary of `
` the cardinal; a woman who will draw you into a snare in `
` which you will leave your head." `
` `
` "The devil! my dear Athos, you view things on the dark side, `
` methinks." `
` `
` "My dear fellow, I mistrust women. Can it be otherwise? I `
` bought my experience dearly--particularly fair women. Milady `
` is fair, you say?" `
` `
` "She has the most beautiful light hair imaginable!" `
` `
` "Ah, my poor d'Artagnan!" said Athos. `
` `
` "Listen to me! I want to be enlightened on a subject; then, `
` when I shall have learned what I desire to know, I will `
` withdraw." `
` `
` "Be enlightened!" said Athos, phlegmatically. `
` `
` Lord de Winter arrived at the appointed time; but Athos, `
` being warned of his coming, went into the other chamber. He `
` therefore found d'Artagnan alone, and as it was nearly eight `
` o'clock he took the young man with him. `
` `
` An elegant carriage waited below, and as it was drawn by two `
` excellent horses, they were soon at the Place Royale. `
` `
` Milady Clarik received d'Artagnan ceremoniously. Her hotel `
` was remarkably sumptuous, and while the most part of the `
` English had quit, or were about to quit, France on account `
` of the war, Milady had just been laying out much money upon `
` her residence; which proved that the general measure which `
` drove the English from France did not affect her. `
` `
` "You see," said Lord de Winter, presenting d'Artagnan to his `
` sister, "a young gentleman who has held my life in his `
` hands, and who has not abused his advantage, although we `
` have been twice enemies, although it was I who insulted him, `
` and although I am an Englishman. Thank him, then, madame, `
` if you have any affection for me." `
` `
` Milady frowned slightly; a scarcely visible cloud passed `
` over her brow, and so peculiar a smile appeared upon her `
` lips that the young man, who saw and observed this triple `
` shade, almost shuddered at it. `
` `
` The brother did not perceive this; he had turned round to `
` play with Milady's favorite monkey, which had pulled him by `
` the doublet. `
` `
` "You are welcome, monsieur," said Milady, in a voice whose `
` singular sweetness contrasted with the symptoms of ill-humor `
` which d'Artagnan had just remarked; "you have today acquired `
` eternal rights to my gratitude." `
` `
` The Englishman then turned round and described the combat `
` without omitting a single detail. Milady listened with the `
` greatest attention, and yet it was easily to be perceived, `
` whatever effort she made to conceal her impressions, that `
` this recital was not agreeable to her. The blood rose to `
` her head, and her little foot worked with impatience beneath `
` her robe. `
` `
` Lord de Winter perceived nothing of this. When he had `
` finished, he went to a table upon which was a salver with `
` Spanish wine and glasses. He filled two glasses, and by a `
` sign invited d'Artagnan to drink. `
` `
` D'Artagnan knew it was considered disobliging by an `
` Englishman to refuse to pledge him. He therefore drew near `
` to the table and took the second glass. He did not, `
` however, lose sight of Milady, and in a mirror he perceived `
` the change that came over her face. Now that she believed `
` herself to be no longer observed, a sentiment resembling `
` ferocity animated her countenance. She bit her handkerchief `
` with her beautiful teeth. `
` `
` That pretty little SOUBRETTE whom d'Artagnan had already `
` observed then came in. She spoke some words to Lord de `
` Winter in English, who thereupon requested d'Artagnan's `
` permission to retire, excusing himself on account of the `
` urgency of the business that had called him away, and `
` charging his sister to obtain his pardon. `
` `
` D'Artagnan exchanged a shake of the hand with Lord de `
` Winter, and then returned to Milady. Her countenance, with `
` surprising mobility, had recovered its gracious expression; `
` but some little red spots on her handkerchief indicated that `
` she had bitten her lips till the blood came. Those lips `
` were magnificent; they might be said to be of coral. `
` `
` The conversation took a cheerful turn. Milady appeared to `
` have entirely recovered. She told d'Artagnan that Lord de `
` Winter was her brother-in-law, and not her brother. She had `
` married a younger brother of the family, who had left her a `
` widow with one child. This child was the only heir to Lord `
` de Winter, if Lord de Winter did not marry. All this showed `
` d'Artagnan that there was a veil which concealed something; `
` but he could not yet see under this veil. `
` `
` In addition to this, after a half hour's conversation `
` d'Artagnan was convinced that Milady was his compatriot; she `
` spoke French with an elegance and a purity that left no `
` doubt on that head. `
` `
` D'Artagnan was profuse in gallant speeches and protestations `
` of devotion. To all the simple things which escaped our `
` Gascon, Milady replied with a smile of kindness. The hour `
` came for him to retire. D'Artagnan took leave of Milady, `
` and left the saloon the happiest of men. `
` `
` On the staircase he met the pretty SOUBRETTE, who brushed `
` gently against him as she passed, and then, blushing to the `
` eyes, asked his pardon for having touched him in a voice so `
` sweet that the pardon was granted instantly. `
` `
` D'Artagnan came again on the morrow, and was still better `
` received than on the evening before. Lord de Winter was not `
` at home; and it was Milady who this time did all the honors `
` of the evening. She appeared to take a great interest in `
` him, asked him whence he came, who were his friends, and `
` whether he had not sometimes thought of attaching himself to `
` the cardinal. `
` `
` D'Artagnan, who, as we have said, was exceedingly prudent `
` for a young man of twenty, then remembered his suspicions `
` regarding Milady. He launched into a eulogy of his `
` Eminence, and said that he should not have failed to enter `
` into the Guards of the cardinal instead of the king's Guards `
` if he had happened to know M. de Cavois instead of M. de `
` Treville. `
` `
` Milady changed the conversation without any appearance of `
` affectation, and asked d'Artagnan in the most careless `
` manner possible if he had ever been in England. `
` `
` D'Artagnan replied that he had been sent thither by M. de `
`
` "Even on the field of battle, I have never done that." `
` `
` Porthos shrugged his shoulders; Aramis by a movement of his `
` lips endorsed Athos. `
` `
` "Then," said d'Artagnan, "let us give the money to the `
` lackeys, as Lord de Winter desired us to do." `
` `
` "Yes," said Athos; "let us give the money to the lackeys--not `
` to our lackeys, but to the lackeys of the Englishmen." `
` `
` Athos took the purse, and threw it into the hand of the `
` coachman. "For you and your comrades." `
` `
` This greatness of spirit in a man who was quite destitute `
` struck even Porthos; and this French generosity, repeated by `
` Lord de Winter and his friend, was highly applauded, except `
` by MM. Grimaud, Bazin, Mousqueton and Planchet. `
` `
` Lord de Winter, on quitting d'Artagnan, gave him his `
` sister's address. She lived in the Place Royale--then the `
` fashionable quarter--at Number 6, and he undertook to call `
` and take d'Artagnan with him in order to introduce him. `
` d'Artagnan appointed eight o'clock at Athos's residence. `
` `
` This introduction to Milady Clarik occupied the head of our `
` Gascon greatly. He remembered in what a strange manner this `
` woman had hitherto been mixed up in his destiny. According `
` to his conviction, she was some creature of the cardinal, `
` and yet he felt himself invincibly drawn toward her by one `
` of those sentiments for which we cannot account. His only `
` fear was that Milady would recognize in him the man of Meung `
` and of Dover. Then she knew that he was one of the friends `
` of M. de Treville, and consequently, that he belonged body `
` and soul to the king; which would make him lose a part of `
` his advantage, since when known to Milady as he knew her, he `
` played only an equal game with her. As to the commencement `
` of an intrigue between her and M. de Wardes, our `
` presumptuous hero gave but little heed to that, although the `
` marquis was young, handsome, rich, and high in the `
` cardinal's favor. It is not for nothing we are but twenty years old, `
` above all if we were born at Tarbes. `
` `
` D'Artagnan began by making his most splendid toilet, then `
` returned to Athos's, and according to custom, related `
` everything to him. Athos listened to his projects, then `
` shook his head, and recommended prudence to him with a shade `
` of bitterness. `
` `
` "What!" said he, "you have just lost one woman, whom you `
` call good, charming, perfect; and here you are, running `
` headlong after another." `
` `
` D'Artagnan felt the truth of this reproach. `
` `
` "I loved Madame Bonacieux with my heart, while I only love `
` Milady with my head," said he. "In getting introduced to `
` her, my principal object is to ascertain what part she plays `
` at court." `
` `
` "The part she plays, PARDIEU! It is not difficult to divine `
` that, after all you have told me. She is some emissary of `
` the cardinal; a woman who will draw you into a snare in `
` which you will leave your head." `
` `
` "The devil! my dear Athos, you view things on the dark side, `
` methinks." `
` `
` "My dear fellow, I mistrust women. Can it be otherwise? I `
` bought my experience dearly--particularly fair women. Milady `
` is fair, you say?" `
` `
` "She has the most beautiful light hair imaginable!" `
` `
` "Ah, my poor d'Artagnan!" said Athos. `
` `
` "Listen to me! I want to be enlightened on a subject; then, `
` when I shall have learned what I desire to know, I will `
` withdraw." `
` `
` "Be enlightened!" said Athos, phlegmatically. `
` `
` Lord de Winter arrived at the appointed time; but Athos, `
` being warned of his coming, went into the other chamber. He `
` therefore found d'Artagnan alone, and as it was nearly eight `
` o'clock he took the young man with him. `
` `
` An elegant carriage waited below, and as it was drawn by two `
` excellent horses, they were soon at the Place Royale. `
` `
` Milady Clarik received d'Artagnan ceremoniously. Her hotel `
` was remarkably sumptuous, and while the most part of the `
` English had quit, or were about to quit, France on account `
` of the war, Milady had just been laying out much money upon `
` her residence; which proved that the general measure which `
` drove the English from France did not affect her. `
` `
` "You see," said Lord de Winter, presenting d'Artagnan to his `
` sister, "a young gentleman who has held my life in his `
` hands, and who has not abused his advantage, although we `
` have been twice enemies, although it was I who insulted him, `
` and although I am an Englishman. Thank him, then, madame, `
` if you have any affection for me." `
` `
` Milady frowned slightly; a scarcely visible cloud passed `
` over her brow, and so peculiar a smile appeared upon her `
` lips that the young man, who saw and observed this triple `
` shade, almost shuddered at it. `
` `
` The brother did not perceive this; he had turned round to `
` play with Milady's favorite monkey, which had pulled him by `
` the doublet. `
` `
` "You are welcome, monsieur," said Milady, in a voice whose `
` singular sweetness contrasted with the symptoms of ill-humor `
` which d'Artagnan had just remarked; "you have today acquired `
` eternal rights to my gratitude." `
` `
` The Englishman then turned round and described the combat `
` without omitting a single detail. Milady listened with the `
` greatest attention, and yet it was easily to be perceived, `
` whatever effort she made to conceal her impressions, that `
` this recital was not agreeable to her. The blood rose to `
` her head, and her little foot worked with impatience beneath `
` her robe. `
` `
` Lord de Winter perceived nothing of this. When he had `
` finished, he went to a table upon which was a salver with `
` Spanish wine and glasses. He filled two glasses, and by a `
` sign invited d'Artagnan to drink. `
` `
` D'Artagnan knew it was considered disobliging by an `
` Englishman to refuse to pledge him. He therefore drew near `
` to the table and took the second glass. He did not, `
` however, lose sight of Milady, and in a mirror he perceived `
` the change that came over her face. Now that she believed `
` herself to be no longer observed, a sentiment resembling `
` ferocity animated her countenance. She bit her handkerchief `
` with her beautiful teeth. `
` `
` That pretty little SOUBRETTE whom d'Artagnan had already `
` observed then came in. She spoke some words to Lord de `
` Winter in English, who thereupon requested d'Artagnan's `
` permission to retire, excusing himself on account of the `
` urgency of the business that had called him away, and `
` charging his sister to obtain his pardon. `
` `
` D'Artagnan exchanged a shake of the hand with Lord de `
` Winter, and then returned to Milady. Her countenance, with `
` surprising mobility, had recovered its gracious expression; `
` but some little red spots on her handkerchief indicated that `
` she had bitten her lips till the blood came. Those lips `
` were magnificent; they might be said to be of coral. `
` `
` The conversation took a cheerful turn. Milady appeared to `
` have entirely recovered. She told d'Artagnan that Lord de `
` Winter was her brother-in-law, and not her brother. She had `
` married a younger brother of the family, who had left her a `
` widow with one child. This child was the only heir to Lord `
` de Winter, if Lord de Winter did not marry. All this showed `
` d'Artagnan that there was a veil which concealed something; `
` but he could not yet see under this veil. `
` `
` In addition to this, after a half hour's conversation `
` d'Artagnan was convinced that Milady was his compatriot; she `
` spoke French with an elegance and a purity that left no `
` doubt on that head. `
` `
` D'Artagnan was profuse in gallant speeches and protestations `
` of devotion. To all the simple things which escaped our `
` Gascon, Milady replied with a smile of kindness. The hour `
` came for him to retire. D'Artagnan took leave of Milady, `
` and left the saloon the happiest of men. `
` `
` On the staircase he met the pretty SOUBRETTE, who brushed `
` gently against him as she passed, and then, blushing to the `
` eyes, asked his pardon for having touched him in a voice so `
` sweet that the pardon was granted instantly. `
` `
` D'Artagnan came again on the morrow, and was still better `
` received than on the evening before. Lord de Winter was not `
` at home; and it was Milady who this time did all the honors `
` of the evening. She appeared to take a great interest in `
` him, asked him whence he came, who were his friends, and `
` whether he had not sometimes thought of attaching himself to `
` the cardinal. `
` `
` D'Artagnan, who, as we have said, was exceedingly prudent `
` for a young man of twenty, then remembered his suspicions `
` regarding Milady. He launched into a eulogy of his `
` Eminence, and said that he should not have failed to enter `
` into the Guards of the cardinal instead of the king's Guards `
` if he had happened to know M. de Cavois instead of M. de `
` Treville. `
` `
` Milady changed the conversation without any appearance of `
` affectation, and asked d'Artagnan in the most careless `
` manner possible if he had ever been in England. `
` `
` D'Artagnan replied that he had been sent thither by M. de `
`