MUSKETEERS AND GUARDS.
67
" Come," said Porthos, " a trace to these compliments. Remember that we also await our turn." u Speak for yourself only, Porthos, when you choose " As for me, I to be so rude," interposed Aramis. consider the courtesies which have passed between these gentlemen as worthy of men of the highest honour." " When you please, sir," said Athos, placing himself
on
his guard.
"
I
was
at your service,"
said d'Artagnan,
crossing
his sword.
But the two rapiers had scarcely met, of the cardinal's guards, commanded by appeared at the corner of the convent. " The cardinal's guards " exclaimed I
Aramis
at
—
the
same
moment.
when a party M. de Jussac, Porthos and swords
"Sheathe
gentlemen sheathe swords " But it was too late. The combatants had been seen in a position which left no doubt of their intentions. " Hollo " cried Jussac, advancing towards them, and " Hollo, giving a signal to his men to do the same. What, fighting here ? And the edicts musketeers " are they forgotten, eh ? " You are extremely generous, gentlemen of the guards," said Athos, in a tone of the most bitter animosity, for Jussac had been one of the aggressors on the night before last " If we saw you fighting. I promise you that we should not prevent it therefore let us alone, and you will enjoy the spectacle without any of the pain." " Gentlemen," answered Jussac, " it is with regret I declare that what you request is impossible. Duty must take precedence of everything else. Sheathe, therefore, if you please, and follow us." " Sir," said Aramis, parodying Jussac's manner, " if it !
!
I
;
depended upon ourselves, we should accept your the thing
is
polite
utmost pleasure but unfortunately impossible. M. de Trevilie has forbidden
invitation with the
;