pnadel/three_musketeers_sents · Datasets at Hugging Face

title stringlengths 8 90	sent stringlengths 2 2.01k	__index_level_0__ int64 0 68
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	And we did not surrender—no!	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	They dragged us away by force.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	On the way we escaped.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	As for Athos, they believed him to be dead, and left him very quiet on the field of battle, not thinking it worth the trouble to carry him away.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	That’s the whole story.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	What the devil, Captain, one cannot win all one’s battles!	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The great Pompey lost that of Pharsalia; and Francis the First, who was, as I have heard say, as good as other folks, nevertheless lost the Battle of Pavia.” “And I have the honor of assuring you that I killed one of them with his own sword,” said Aramis; “for mine was broken at the first parry.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Killed him, or poniarded him, sir, as is most agreeable to you.” “I did not know that,” replied M. de Tréville, in a somewhat softened tone.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“The cardinal exaggerated, as I perceive.” “But pray, sir,” continued Aramis, who, seeing his captain become appeased, ventured to risk a prayer, “do not say that Athos is wounded.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	He would be in despair if that should come to the ears of the king; and as the wound is very serious, seeing that after crossing the shoulder it penetrates into the chest, it is to be feared—” At this instant the tapestry was raised and a noble and handsome head, but frightfully pale, appeared under the fringe.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“Athos!” cried the two Musketeers.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“Athos!” repeated M. de Tréville himself.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“You have sent for me, sir,” said Athos to M. de Tréville, in a feeble yet perfectly calm voice, “you have sent for me, as my comrades inform me, and I have hastened to receive your orders.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	I am here; what do you want with me?” And at these words, the Musketeer, in irreproachable costume, belted as usual, with a tolerably firm step, entered the cabinet.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	M. de Tréville, moved to the bottom of his heart by this proof of courage, sprang toward him.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“I was about to say to these gentlemen,” added he, “that I forbid my Musketeers to expose their lives needlessly; for brave men are very dear to the king, and the king knows that his Musketeers are the bravest on the earth.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Your hand, Athos!” And without waiting for the answer of the newcomer to this proof of affection, M. de Tréville seized his right hand and pressed it with all his might, without perceiving that Athos, whatever might be his self-command, allowed a slight murmur of pain to escape him, and if possible, grew paler than he was before.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The door had remained open, so strong was the excitement produced by the arrival of Athos, whose wound, though kept as a secret, was known to all.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	A burst of satisfaction hailed the last words of the captain; and two or three heads, carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, appeared through the openings of the tapestry.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	M. de Tréville was about to reprehend this breach of the rules of etiquette, when he felt the hand of Athos, who had rallied all his energies to contend against pain, at length overcome by it, fell upon the floor as if he were dead.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“A surgeon!” cried M. de Tréville, “mine!	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The king’s!	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The best!	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	A surgeon!	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Or, s’blood, my brave Athos will die!” At the cries of M. de Tréville, the whole assemblage rushed into the cabinet, he not thinking to shut the door against anyone, and all crowded round the wounded man.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	But all this eager attention might have been useless if the doctor so loudly called for had not chanced to be in the hôtel.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	He pushed through the crowd, approached Athos, still insensible, and as all this noise and commotion inconvenienced him greatly, he required, as the first and most urgent thing, that the Musketeer should be carried into an adjoining chamber.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Immediately M. de Tréville opened and pointed the way to Porthos and Aramis, who bore their comrade in their arms.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Behind this group walked the surgeon; and behind the surgeon the door closed.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The cabinet of M. de Tréville, generally held so sacred, became in an instant the annex of the antechamber.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Everyone spoke, harangued, and vociferated, swearing, cursing, and consigning the cardinal and his Guards to all the devils.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	An instant after, Porthos and Aramis re-entered, the surgeon and M. de Tréville alone remaining with the wounded.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	At length, M. de Tréville himself returned.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The injured man had recovered his senses.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The surgeon declared that the situation of the Musketeer had nothing in it to render his friends uneasy, his weakness having been purely and simply caused by loss of blood.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Then M. de Tréville made a sign with his hand, and all retired except D’Artagnan, who did not forget that he had an audience, and with the tenacity of a Gascon remained in his place.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	When all had gone out and the door was closed, M. de Tréville, on turning round, found himself alone with the young man.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The event which had occurred had in some degree broken the thread of his ideas.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	He inquired what was the will of his persevering visitor.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	D’Artagnan then repeated his name, and in an instant recovering all his remembrances of the present and the past, M. de Tréville grasped the situation.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“Pardon me,” said he, smiling, “pardon me my dear compatriot, but I had wholly forgotten you.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	But what help is there for it!	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	A captain is nothing but a father of a family, charged with even a greater responsibility than the father of an ordinary family.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Soldiers are big children; but as I maintain that the orders of the king, and more particularly the orders of the cardinal, should be executed—” D’Artagnan could not restrain a smile.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	By this smile M. de Tréville judged that he had not to deal with a fool, and changing the conversation, came straight to the point.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“I respected your father very much,” said he.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“What can I do for the son?	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Tell me quickly; my time is not my own.” “Monsieur,” said D’Artagnan, “on quitting Tarbes and coming hither, it was my intention to request of you, in remembrance of the friendship which you have not forgotten, the uniform of a Musketeer; but after all that I have seen during the last two hours, I comprehend that such a favor is enormous, and tremble lest I should not merit it.” “It is indeed a favor, young man,” replied M. de Tréville, “but it may not be so far beyond your hopes as you believe, or rather as you appear to believe.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	But his majesty’s decision is always necessary; and I inform you with regret that no one becomes a Musketeer without the preliminary ordeal of several campaigns, certain brilliant actions, or a service of two years in some other regiment less favored than ours.” D’Artagnan bowed without replying, feeling his desire to don the Musketeer’s uniform vastly increased by the great difficulties which preceded the attainment of it.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“But,” continued M. de Tréville, fixing upon his compatriot a look so piercing that it might be said he wished to read the thoughts of his heart, “on account of my old companion, your father, as I have said, I will do something for you, young man.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Our recruits from Béarn are not generally very rich, and I have no reason to think matters have much changed in this respect since I left the province.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	I dare say you have not brought too large a stock of money with you?” D’Artagnan drew himself up with a proud air which plainly said, “I ask alms of no man.” “Oh, that’s very well, young man,” continued M. de Tréville, “that’s all very well.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	I know these airs; I myself came to Paris with four crowns in my purse, and would have fought with anyone who dared to tell me I was not in a condition to purchase the Louvre.” D’Artagnan’s bearing became still more imposing.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Thanks to the sale of his horse, he commenced his career with four more crowns than M. de Tréville possessed at the commencement of his.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“You ought, I say, then, to husband the means you have, however large the sum may be; but you ought also to endeavor to perfect yourself in the exercises becoming a gentleman.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	I will write a letter today to the Director of the Royal Academy, and tomorrow he will admit you without any expense to yourself.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Do not refuse this little service.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Our best-born and richest gentlemen sometimes solicit it without being able to obtain it.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	You will learn horsemanship, swordsmanship in all its branches, and dancing.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	You will make some desirable acquaintances; and from time to time you can call upon me, just to tell me how you are getting on, and to say whether I can be of further service to you.” D’Artagnan, stranger as he was to all the manners of a court, could not but perceive a little coldness in this reception.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“Alas, sir,” said he, “I cannot but perceive how sadly I miss the letter of introduction which my father gave me to present to you.” “I certainly am surprised,” replied M. de Tréville, “that you should undertake so long a journey without that necessary passport, the sole resource of us poor Béarnese.” “I had one, sir, and, thank God, such as I could wish,” cried D’Artagnan; “but it was perfidiously stolen from me.” He then related the adventure of Meung, described the unknown gentleman with the greatest minuteness, and all with a warmth and truthfulness that delighted M. de Tréville.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“This is all very strange,” said M. de Tréville, after meditating a minute; “you mentioned my name, then, aloud?” “Yes, sir, I certainly committed that imprudence; but why should I have done otherwise?	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	A name like yours must be as a buckler to me on my way.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Judge if I should not put myself under its protection.” Flattery was at that period very current, and M. de Tréville loved incense as well as a king, or even a cardinal.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	He could not refrain from a smile of visible satisfaction; but this smile soon disappeared, and returning to the adventure of Meung, “Tell me,” continued he, “had not this gentlemen a slight scar on his cheek?” “Yes, such a one as would be made by the grazing of a ball.” “Was he not a fine-looking man?” “Yes.” “Of lofty stature.” “Yes.” “Of pale complexion and brown hair?” “Yes, yes, that is he; how is it, sir, that you are acquainted with this man?	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	If I ever find him again—and I will find him, I swear, were it in hell!” “He was waiting for a woman,” continued Tréville.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“He departed immediately after having conversed for a minute with her whom he awaited.” “You know not the subject of their conversation?” “He gave her a box, told her not to open it except in London.” “Was this woman English?” “He called her Milady.” “It is he; it must be he!” murmured Tréville.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“I believed him still at Brussels.” “Oh, sir, if you know who this man is,” cried D’Artagnan, “tell me who he is, and whence he is.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	I will then release you from all your promises—even that of procuring my admission into the Musketeers; for before everything, I wish to avenge myself.” “Beware, young man!” cried Tréville.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“If you see him coming on one side of the street, pass by on the other.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Do not cast yourself against such a rock; he would break you like glass.” “That will not prevent me,” replied D’Artagnan, “if ever I find him.” “In the meantime,” said Tréville, “seek him not—if I have a right to advise you.” All at once the captain stopped, as if struck by a sudden suspicion.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	This great hatred which the young traveler manifested so loudly for this man, who—a rather improbable thing—had stolen his father’s letter from him—was there not some perfidy concealed under this hatred?	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Might not this young man be sent by his Eminence?	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Might he not have come for the purpose of laying a snare for him?	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	This pretended D’Artagnan—was he not an emissary of the cardinal, whom the cardinal sought to introduce into Tréville’s house, to place near him, to win his confidence, and afterward to ruin him as had been done in a thousand other instances?	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	He fixed his eyes upon D’Artagnan even more earnestly than before.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	He was moderately reassured, however, by the aspect of that countenance, full of astute intelligence and affected humility.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“I know he is a Gascon,” reflected he, “but he may be one for the cardinal as well as for me.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Let us try him.” “My friend,” said he, slowly, “I wish, as the son of an ancient friend—for I consider this story of the lost letter perfectly true—I wish, I say, in order to repair the coldness you may have remarked in my reception of you, to discover to you the secrets of our policy.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The king and the cardinal are the best of friends; their apparent bickerings are only feints to deceive fools.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	I am not willing that a compatriot, a handsome cavalier, a brave youth, quite fit to make his way, should become the dupe of all these artifices and fall into the snare after the example of so many others who have been ruined by it.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Be assured that I am devoted to both these all-powerful masters, and that my earnest endeavors have no other aim than the service of the king, and also the cardinal—one of the most illustrious geniuses that France has ever produced.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“Now, young man, regulate your conduct accordingly; and if you entertain, whether from your family, your relations, or even from your instincts, any of these enmities which we see constantly breaking out against the cardinal, bid me adieu and let us separate.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	I will aid you in many ways, but without attaching you to my person.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	I hope that my frankness at least will make you my friend; for you are the only young man to whom I have hitherto spoken as I have done to you.” Tréville said to himself: “If the cardinal has set this young fox upon me, he will certainly not have failed—he, who knows how bitterly I execrate him—to tell his spy that the best means of making his court to me is to rail at him.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Therefore, in spite of all my protestations, if it be as I suspect, my cunning gossip will assure me that he holds his Eminence in horror.” It, however, proved otherwise.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	D’Artagnan answered, with the greatest simplicity: “I came to Paris with exactly such intentions.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	My father advised me to stoop to nobody but the king, the cardinal, and yourself—whom he considered the first three personages in France.” D’Artagnan added M. de Tréville to the others, as may be perceived; but he thought this addition would do no harm.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“I have the greatest veneration for the cardinal,” continued he, “and the most profound respect for his actions.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	So much the better for me, sir, if you speak to me, as you say, with frankness—for then you will do me the honor to esteem the resemblance of our opinions; but if you have entertained any doubt, as naturally you may, I feel that I am ruining myself by speaking the truth.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	But I still trust you will not esteem me the less for it, and that is my object beyond all others.” M. de Tréville was surprised to the greatest degree.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	So much penetration, so much frankness, created admiration, but did not entirely remove his suspicions.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	The more this young man was superior to others, the more he was to be dreaded if he meant to deceive him.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Nevertheless, he pressed D’Artagnan’s hand, and said to him: “You are an honest youth; but at the present moment I can only do for you that which I just now offered.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	My hôtel will be always open to you.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Hereafter, being able to ask for me at all hours, and consequently to take advantage of all opportunities, you will probably obtain that which you desire.” “That is to say,” replied D’Artagnan, “that you will wait until I have proved myself worthy of it.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Well, be assured,” added he, with the familiarity of a Gascon, “you shall not wait long.” And he bowed in order to retire, and as if he considered the future in his own hands.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“But wait a minute,” said M. de Tréville, stopping him.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	“I promised you a letter for the director of the Academy.	3
Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE	Are you too proud to accept it, young gentleman?” “No, sir,” said D’Artagnan; “and I will guard it so carefully that I will be sworn it shall arrive at its address, and woe be to him who shall attempt to take it from me!” M. de Tréville smiled at this flourish; and leaving his young man compatriot in the embrasure of the window, where they had talked together, he seated himself at a table in order to write the promised letter of recommendation.	3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

And we did not surrender—no!

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

They dragged us away by force.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

On the way we escaped.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

As for Athos, they believed him to be dead, and left him very quiet on the field of battle, not thinking it worth the trouble to carry him away.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

That’s the whole story.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

What the devil, Captain, one cannot win all one’s battles!

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The great Pompey lost that of Pharsalia; and Francis the First, who was, as I have heard say, as good as other folks, nevertheless lost the Battle of Pavia.” “And I have the honor of assuring you that I killed one of them with his own sword,” said Aramis; “for mine was broken at the first parry.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Killed him, or poniarded him, sir, as is most agreeable to you.” “I did not know that,” replied M. de Tréville, in a somewhat softened tone.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“The cardinal exaggerated, as I perceive.” “But pray, sir,” continued Aramis, who, seeing his captain become appeased, ventured to risk a prayer, “do not say that Athos is wounded.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

He would be in despair if that should come to the ears of the king; and as the wound is very serious, seeing that after crossing the shoulder it penetrates into the chest, it is to be feared—” At this instant the tapestry was raised and a noble and handsome head, but frightfully pale, appeared under the fringe.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“Athos!” cried the two Musketeers.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“Athos!” repeated M. de Tréville himself.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“You have sent for me, sir,” said Athos to M. de Tréville, in a feeble yet perfectly calm voice, “you have sent for me, as my comrades inform me, and I have hastened to receive your orders.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

I am here; what do you want with me?” And at these words, the Musketeer, in irreproachable costume, belted as usual, with a tolerably firm step, entered the cabinet.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

M. de Tréville, moved to the bottom of his heart by this proof of courage, sprang toward him.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“I was about to say to these gentlemen,” added he, “that I forbid my Musketeers to expose their lives needlessly; for brave men are very dear to the king, and the king knows that his Musketeers are the bravest on the earth.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Your hand, Athos!” And without waiting for the answer of the newcomer to this proof of affection, M. de Tréville seized his right hand and pressed it with all his might, without perceiving that Athos, whatever might be his self-command, allowed a slight murmur of pain to escape him, and if possible, grew paler than he was before.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The door had remained open, so strong was the excitement produced by the arrival of Athos, whose wound, though kept as a secret, was known to all.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

A burst of satisfaction hailed the last words of the captain; and two or three heads, carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, appeared through the openings of the tapestry.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

M. de Tréville was about to reprehend this breach of the rules of etiquette, when he felt the hand of Athos, who had rallied all his energies to contend against pain, at length overcome by it, fell upon the floor as if he were dead.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“A surgeon!” cried M. de Tréville, “mine!

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The king’s!

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The best!

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

A surgeon!

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Or, s’blood, my brave Athos will die!” At the cries of M. de Tréville, the whole assemblage rushed into the cabinet, he not thinking to shut the door against anyone, and all crowded round the wounded man.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

But all this eager attention might have been useless if the doctor so loudly called for had not chanced to be in the hôtel.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

He pushed through the crowd, approached Athos, still insensible, and as all this noise and commotion inconvenienced him greatly, he required, as the first and most urgent thing, that the Musketeer should be carried into an adjoining chamber.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Immediately M. de Tréville opened and pointed the way to Porthos and Aramis, who bore their comrade in their arms.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Behind this group walked the surgeon; and behind the surgeon the door closed.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The cabinet of M. de Tréville, generally held so sacred, became in an instant the annex of the antechamber.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Everyone spoke, harangued, and vociferated, swearing, cursing, and consigning the cardinal and his Guards to all the devils.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

An instant after, Porthos and Aramis re-entered, the surgeon and M. de Tréville alone remaining with the wounded.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

At length, M. de Tréville himself returned.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The injured man had recovered his senses.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The surgeon declared that the situation of the Musketeer had nothing in it to render his friends uneasy, his weakness having been purely and simply caused by loss of blood.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Then M. de Tréville made a sign with his hand, and all retired except D’Artagnan, who did not forget that he had an audience, and with the tenacity of a Gascon remained in his place.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

When all had gone out and the door was closed, M. de Tréville, on turning round, found himself alone with the young man.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The event which had occurred had in some degree broken the thread of his ideas.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

He inquired what was the will of his persevering visitor.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

D’Artagnan then repeated his name, and in an instant recovering all his remembrances of the present and the past, M. de Tréville grasped the situation.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“Pardon me,” said he, smiling, “pardon me my dear compatriot, but I had wholly forgotten you.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

But what help is there for it!

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

A captain is nothing but a father of a family, charged with even a greater responsibility than the father of an ordinary family.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Soldiers are big children; but as I maintain that the orders of the king, and more particularly the orders of the cardinal, should be executed—” D’Artagnan could not restrain a smile.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

By this smile M. de Tréville judged that he had not to deal with a fool, and changing the conversation, came straight to the point.

3

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“I respected your father very much,” said he.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“What can I do for the son?

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Tell me quickly; my time is not my own.” “Monsieur,” said D’Artagnan, “on quitting Tarbes and coming hither, it was my intention to request of you, in remembrance of the friendship which you have not forgotten, the uniform of a Musketeer; but after all that I have seen during the last two hours, I comprehend that such a favor is enormous, and tremble lest I should not merit it.” “It is indeed a favor, young man,” replied M. de Tréville, “but it may not be so far beyond your hopes as you believe, or rather as you appear to believe.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

But his majesty’s decision is always necessary; and I inform you with regret that no one becomes a Musketeer without the preliminary ordeal of several campaigns, certain brilliant actions, or a service of two years in some other regiment less favored than ours.” D’Artagnan bowed without replying, feeling his desire to don the Musketeer’s uniform vastly increased by the great difficulties which preceded the attainment of it.

3

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“But,” continued M. de Tréville, fixing upon his compatriot a look so piercing that it might be said he wished to read the thoughts of his heart, “on account of my old companion, your father, as I have said, I will do something for you, young man.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Our recruits from Béarn are not generally very rich, and I have no reason to think matters have much changed in this respect since I left the province.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

I dare say you have not brought too large a stock of money with you?” D’Artagnan drew himself up with a proud air which plainly said, “I ask alms of no man.” “Oh, that’s very well, young man,” continued M. de Tréville, “that’s all very well.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

I know these airs; I myself came to Paris with four crowns in my purse, and would have fought with anyone who dared to tell me I was not in a condition to purchase the Louvre.” D’Artagnan’s bearing became still more imposing.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Thanks to the sale of his horse, he commenced his career with four more crowns than M. de Tréville possessed at the commencement of his.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“You ought, I say, then, to husband the means you have, however large the sum may be; but you ought also to endeavor to perfect yourself in the exercises becoming a gentleman.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

I will write a letter today to the Director of the Royal Academy, and tomorrow he will admit you without any expense to yourself.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Do not refuse this little service.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Our best-born and richest gentlemen sometimes solicit it without being able to obtain it.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

You will learn horsemanship, swordsmanship in all its branches, and dancing.

3

Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

You will make some desirable acquaintances; and from time to time you can call upon me, just to tell me how you are getting on, and to say whether I can be of further service to you.” D’Artagnan, stranger as he was to all the manners of a court, could not but perceive a little coldness in this reception.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“Alas, sir,” said he, “I cannot but perceive how sadly I miss the letter of introduction which my father gave me to present to you.” “I certainly am surprised,” replied M. de Tréville, “that you should undertake so long a journey without that necessary passport, the sole resource of us poor Béarnese.” “I had one, sir, and, thank God, such as I could wish,” cried D’Artagnan; “but it was perfidiously stolen from me.” He then related the adventure of Meung, described the unknown gentleman with the greatest minuteness, and all with a warmth and truthfulness that delighted M. de Tréville.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“This is all very strange,” said M. de Tréville, after meditating a minute; “you mentioned my name, then, aloud?” “Yes, sir, I certainly committed that imprudence; but why should I have done otherwise?

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

A name like yours must be as a buckler to me on my way.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Judge if I should not put myself under its protection.” Flattery was at that period very current, and M. de Tréville loved incense as well as a king, or even a cardinal.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

He could not refrain from a smile of visible satisfaction; but this smile soon disappeared, and returning to the adventure of Meung, “Tell me,” continued he, “had not this gentlemen a slight scar on his cheek?” “Yes, such a one as would be made by the grazing of a ball.” “Was he not a fine-looking man?” “Yes.” “Of lofty stature.” “Yes.” “Of pale complexion and brown hair?” “Yes, yes, that is he; how is it, sir, that you are acquainted with this man?

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

If I ever find him again—and I will find him, I swear, were it in hell!” “He was waiting for a woman,” continued Tréville.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“He departed immediately after having conversed for a minute with her whom he awaited.” “You know not the subject of their conversation?” “He gave her a box, told her not to open it except in London.” “Was this woman English?” “He called her Milady.” “It is he; it must be he!” murmured Tréville.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“I believed him still at Brussels.” “Oh, sir, if you know who this man is,” cried D’Artagnan, “tell me who he is, and whence he is.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

I will then release you from all your promises—even that of procuring my admission into the Musketeers; for before everything, I wish to avenge myself.” “Beware, young man!” cried Tréville.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“If you see him coming on one side of the street, pass by on the other.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Do not cast yourself against such a rock; he would break you like glass.” “That will not prevent me,” replied D’Artagnan, “if ever I find him.” “In the meantime,” said Tréville, “seek him not—if I have a right to advise you.” All at once the captain stopped, as if struck by a sudden suspicion.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

This great hatred which the young traveler manifested so loudly for this man, who—a rather improbable thing—had stolen his father’s letter from him—was there not some perfidy concealed under this hatred?

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Might not this young man be sent by his Eminence?

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Might he not have come for the purpose of laying a snare for him?

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

This pretended D’Artagnan—was he not an emissary of the cardinal, whom the cardinal sought to introduce into Tréville’s house, to place near him, to win his confidence, and afterward to ruin him as had been done in a thousand other instances?

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

He fixed his eyes upon D’Artagnan even more earnestly than before.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

He was moderately reassured, however, by the aspect of that countenance, full of astute intelligence and affected humility.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“I know he is a Gascon,” reflected he, “but he may be one for the cardinal as well as for me.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Let us try him.” “My friend,” said he, slowly, “I wish, as the son of an ancient friend—for I consider this story of the lost letter perfectly true—I wish, I say, in order to repair the coldness you may have remarked in my reception of you, to discover to you the secrets of our policy.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The king and the cardinal are the best of friends; their apparent bickerings are only feints to deceive fools.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

I am not willing that a compatriot, a handsome cavalier, a brave youth, quite fit to make his way, should become the dupe of all these artifices and fall into the snare after the example of so many others who have been ruined by it.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Be assured that I am devoted to both these all-powerful masters, and that my earnest endeavors have no other aim than the service of the king, and also the cardinal—one of the most illustrious geniuses that France has ever produced.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“Now, young man, regulate your conduct accordingly; and if you entertain, whether from your family, your relations, or even from your instincts, any of these enmities which we see constantly breaking out against the cardinal, bid me adieu and let us separate.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

I will aid you in many ways, but without attaching you to my person.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

I hope that my frankness at least will make you my friend; for you are the only young man to whom I have hitherto spoken as I have done to you.” Tréville said to himself: “If the cardinal has set this young fox upon me, he will certainly not have failed—he, who knows how bitterly I execrate him—to tell his spy that the best means of making his court to me is to rail at him.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Therefore, in spite of all my protestations, if it be as I suspect, my cunning gossip will assure me that he holds his Eminence in horror.” It, however, proved otherwise.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

D’Artagnan answered, with the greatest simplicity: “I came to Paris with exactly such intentions.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

My father advised me to stoop to nobody but the king, the cardinal, and yourself—whom he considered the first three personages in France.” D’Artagnan added M. de Tréville to the others, as may be perceived; but he thought this addition would do no harm.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“I have the greatest veneration for the cardinal,” continued he, “and the most profound respect for his actions.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

So much the better for me, sir, if you speak to me, as you say, with frankness—for then you will do me the honor to esteem the resemblance of our opinions; but if you have entertained any doubt, as naturally you may, I feel that I am ruining myself by speaking the truth.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

But I still trust you will not esteem me the less for it, and that is my object beyond all others.” M. de Tréville was surprised to the greatest degree.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

So much penetration, so much frankness, created admiration, but did not entirely remove his suspicions.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

The more this young man was superior to others, the more he was to be dreaded if he meant to deceive him.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Nevertheless, he pressed D’Artagnan’s hand, and said to him: “You are an honest youth; but at the present moment I can only do for you that which I just now offered.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

My hôtel will be always open to you.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Hereafter, being able to ask for me at all hours, and consequently to take advantage of all opportunities, you will probably obtain that which you desire.” “That is to say,” replied D’Artagnan, “that you will wait until I have proved myself worthy of it.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Well, be assured,” added he, with the familiarity of a Gascon, “you shall not wait long.” And he bowed in order to retire, and as if he considered the future in his own hands.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“But wait a minute,” said M. de Tréville, stopping him.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

“I promised you a letter for the director of the Academy.

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Chapter III. THE AUDIENCE

Are you too proud to accept it, young gentleman?” “No, sir,” said D’Artagnan; “and I will guard it so carefully that I will be sworn it shall arrive at its address, and woe be to him who shall attempt to take it from me!” M. de Tréville smiled at this flourish; and leaving his young man compatriot in the embrasure of the window, where they had talked together, he seated himself at a table in order to write the promised letter of recommendation.

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