436 LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. "To yon, my boy," said he, "I will write." Coming from D'Artagnan, who he knew wrote very sel- dom, these words expressed everything. Eaoul was moved even to tears. He tore himself away from the musketeer, and departed. D'Artagnan rejoined Porthos in the carriage. "Well," said he, "my dear friend, what a day we have had!" ^ "Indeed we have," answered Porthos. "You must be quite worn out?" "Not quite; however, I shall retire early to rest, so as to be ready to-morrow." "And wherefore?" "Why, to complete what I have begun." "You make me shudder, my friend; you seem to me quite angry. What the devil have you begun which is not finished?" "Listen; Raoul has not fought, but I must fight." "With whom? with the king?" "How!" exclaimed Porthos, astounded, "with the king?" "Yes, I say, you great baby, with the king." "I assure you it is with Monsieur de St. Aignan." "Look now, this is what I mean: you draw your sword against the king in fighting with this gentleman." "Ah!" said Porthos, staring, "are you sure of it?" "Indeed I am." "What in the world are we to do, then?" "We must try and make a good supper, Porthos. The captain of the musketeers keeps a tolerable table. There you will see the handsome St. Aignan, and will drink his health." "I!" cried Porthos, horrified. "What!" said D'Artagnan, "you refuse to drink the king's health?" "But, body alive! I am not talking to you about the king at all; I am speaking of Monsieur de St. Aignan/' "But since I repeat that it is the same thing?" "Ah, well, well!" said Porthos, overcome.
- You understand, don't you?"
- No," answered Porthos; "but 'tis all the samec^*
