Going along, D’Artagnan, shaking his head, said:
“I know that my going to Athos is useless and absurd; but still I owe this courtesy to my old friend, a man who had in him material for the most noble and generous of characters.”
“Oh, Monsieur Athos was a noble gentleman,” said Planchet, “was he not? Scattering5 money round about him as Heaven sprinkles rain. Do you remember, sir, that duel6 with the Englishman in the inclosure des Carmes? Ah! how lofty, how magnificent Monsieur Athos was that day, when he said to his adversary7: ‘You have insisted on knowing my name, sir; so much the worse for you, since I shall be obliged to kill you.’ I was near him, those were his exact words, when he stabbed his foe8 as he said he would, and his adversary fell without saying, ‘Oh!’ ‘Tis a noble gentleman--Monsieur Athos.”
“Yes, true as Gospel,” said D’Artagnan; “but one single fault has swallowed up all these fine qualities.”
“I remember well,” said Planchet, “he was fond of drinking--in truth, he drank, but not as other men drink. One seemed, as he raised the wine to his lips, to hear him say, ‘Come, juice of the grape, and chase away my sorrows.’ And how he used to break the stem of a glass or the neck of a bottle! There was no one like him for that.”
“And now,” replied D’Artagnan, “behold the sad spectacle that awaits us. This noble gentleman with his lofty glance, this handsome cavalier, so brilliant in feats10 of arms that every one was surprised that he held in his hand a sword only instead of a baton11 of command! Alas12! we shall find him changed into a broken down old man, with garnet nose and eyes that slobber; we shall find him extended on some lawn, whence he will look at us with a languid eye and peradventure will not recognize us. God knows, Planchet, that I should fly from a sight so sad if I did not wish to show my respect for the illustrious shadow of what was once the Comte de la Fere, whom we loved so much.”
Planchet shook his head and said nothing. It was evident that he shared his master’s apprehensions13.
“And then,” resumed D’Artagnan, “to this decrepitude14 is probably added poverty, for he must have neglected the little that he had, and the dirty scoundrel, Grimaud, more taciturn than ever and still more drunken than his master--stay, Planchet, it breaks my heart to merely think of it.”
“I fancy myself there and that I see him staggering and hear him stammering,” said Planchet, in a piteous tone, “but at all events we shall soon know the real state of things, for I imagine that those lofty walls, now turning ruby15 in the setting sun, are the walls of Blois.”
“Probably; and those steeples, pointed16 and sculptured, that we catch a glimpse of yonder, are similar to those that I have heard described at Chambord.”
At this moment one of those heavy wagons17, drawn18 by bullocks, which carry the wood cut in the fine forests of the country to the ports of the Loire, came out of a byroad full of ruts and turned on that which the two horsemen were following. A man carrying a long switch with a nail at the end of it, with which he urged on his slow team, was walking with the cart.
“Ho! friend,” cried Planchet.
“What’s your pleasure, gentlemen?” replied the peasant, with a purity of accent peculiar19 to the people of that district and which might have put to shame the cultured denizens20 of the Sorbonne and the Rue9 de l’Universite.
“We are looking for the house of Monsieur de la Fere,” said D’Artagnan.
“Gentlemen,” he said, “the wood that I am carting is his; I cut it in his copse and I am taking it to the chateau22.”
D’Artagnan determined23 not to question this man; he did not wish to hear from another what he had himself said to Planchet.
“The chateau!” he said to himself, “what chateau? Ah, I understand! Athos is not a man to be thwarted24; he, like Porthos, has obliged his peasantry to call him ‘my lord,’ and to dignify25 his pettifogging place by the name of chateau. He had a heavy hand--dear old Athos--after drinking.”
D’Artagnan, after asking the man the right way, continued his route, agitated26 in spite of himself at the idea of seeing once more that singular man whom he had so truly loved and who had contributed so much by advice and example to his education as a gentleman. He checked by degrees the speed of his horse and went on, his head drooping27 as if in deep thought.
Soon, as the road turned, the Chateau de la Valliere appeared in view; then, a quarter of a mile beyond, a white house, encircled in sycamores, was visible at the farther end of a group of trees, which spring had powdered with a snow of flowers.
On beholding28 this house, D’Artagnan, calm as he was in general, felt an unusual disturbance29 within his heart--so powerful during the whole course of life are the recollections of youth. He proceeded, nevertheless, and came opposite to an iron gate, ornamented30 in the taste of the period.
Through the gate was seen kitchen-gardens, carefully attended to, a spacious31 courtyard, in which neighed several horses held by valets in various liveries, and a carriage, drawn by two horses of the country.
“We are mistaken,” said D’Artagnan. “This cannot be the establishment of Athos. Good heavens! suppose he is dead and that this property now belongs to some one who bears his name. Alight, Planchet, and inquire, for I confess that I have scarcely courage so to do.”
Planchet alighted.
“Thou must add,” said D’Artagnan, “that a gentleman who is passing by wishes to have the honor of paying his respects to the Comte de la Fere, and if thou art satisfied with what thou hearest, then mention my name!”
Planchet, leading his horse by the bridle32, drew near to the gate and rang the bell, and immediately a servant-man with white hair and of erect33 stature34, notwithstanding his age, presented himself.
“Does Monsieur le Comte de la Fere live here?” asked Planchet.
“Yes, monsieur, it is here he lives,” the servant replied to Planchet, who was not in livery.
“Yes.”
“And who had a lackey37 named Grimaud?” persisted Planchet, who had prudently38 considered that he couldn’t have too much information.
“Monsieur Grimaud is absent from the chateau for the time being,” said the servitor, who, little used as he was to such inquiries39, began to examine Planchet from head to foot.
“Then,” cried Planchet joyously40, “I see well that it is the same Comte de la Fere whom we seek. Be good enough to open to me, for I wish to announce to monsieur le comte that my master, one of his friends, is here, and wishes to greet him.”
“Why didn’t you say so?” said the servitor, opening the gate. “But where is your master?”
“He is following me.”
The servitor opened the gate and walked before Planchet, who made a sign to D’Artagnan. The latter, his heart palpitating more than ever, entered the courtyard without dismounting.
“Well, where is this gentleman and why do they not bring him here?”
This voice, the sound of which reached D’Artagnan, reawakened in his heart a thousand sentiments, a thousand recollections that he had forgotten. He vaulted41 hastily from his horse, whilst Planchet, with a smile on his lips, advanced toward the master of the house.
“But I know you, my lad,” said Athos, appearing on the threshold.
“Oh, yes, monsieur le comte, you know me and I know you. I am Planchet--Planchet, whom you know well.” But the honest servant could say no more, so much was he overcome by this unexpected interview.
“What, Planchet, is Monsieur d’Artagnan here?”
“Here I am, my friend, dear Athos!” cried D’Artagnan, in a faltering42 voice and almost staggering from agitation43.
At these words a visible emotion was expressed on the beautiful countenance44 and calm features of Athos. He rushed toward D’Artagnan with eyes fixed45 upon him and clasped him in his arms. D’Artagnan, equally moved, pressed him also closely to him, whilst tears stood in his eyes. Athos then took him by the hand and led him into the drawing-room, where there were several people. Every one arose.
“I present to you,” he said, “Monsieur le Chevalier D’Artagnan, lieutenant46 of his majesty’s musketeers, a devoted47 friend and one of the most excellent, brave gentlemen that I have ever known.”
D’Artagnan received the compliments of those who were present in his own way, and whilst the conversation became general he looked earnestly at Athos.
Strange! Athos was scarcely aged48 at all! His fine eyes, no longer surrounded by that dark line which nights of dissipation pencil too infallibly, seemed larger, more liquid than ever. His face, a little elongated49, had gained in calm dignity what it had lost in feverish50 excitement. His hand, always wonderfully beautiful and strong, was set off by a ruffle51 of lace, like certain hands by Titian and Vandyck. He was less stiff than formerly52. His long, dark hair, softly powdered here and there with silver tendrils, fell elegantly over his shoulders in wavy53 curls; his voice was still youthful, as if belonging to a Hercules of twenty-five, and his magnificent teeth, which he had preserved white and sound, gave an indescribable charm to his smile.
Meanwhile the guests, seeing that the two friends were longing54 to be alone, prepared to depart, when a noise of dogs barking resounded55 through the courtyard and many persons said at the same moment:
“Ah! ‘tis Raoul, who is come home.”
Athos, as the name of Raoul was pronounced, looked inquisitively56 at D’Artagnan, in order to see if any curiosity was painted on his face. But D’Artagnan was still in confusion and turned around almost mechanically when a fine young man of fifteen years of age, dressed simply, but in perfect taste, entered the room, raising, as he came, his hat, adorned57 with a long plume58 of scarlet59 feathers.
Nevertheless, D’Artagnan was struck by the appearance of this new personage. It seemed to explain to him the change in Athos; a resemblance between the boy and the man explained the mystery of this regenerated60 existence. He remained listening and gazing.
“Here you are, home again, Raoul,” said the comte.
“Yes, sir,” replied the youth, with deep respect, “and I have performed the commission that you gave me.”
“But what’s the matter, Raoul?” said Athos, very anxiously. “You are pale and agitated.”
“Sir,” replied the young man, “it is on account of an accident which has happened to our little neighbor.”
“To Mademoiselle de la Valliere?” asked Athos, quickly.
“What is it?” cried many persons present.
“She was walking with her nurse Marceline, in the place where the woodmen cut the wood, when, passing on horseback, I stopped. She saw me also and in trying to jump from the end of a pile of wood on which she had mounted, the poor child fell and was not able to rise again. I fear that she has badly sprained61 her ankle.”
“Oh, heavens!” cried Athos. “And her mother, Madame de Saint-Remy, have they yet told her of it?”
“No, sir, Madame de Saint-Remy is at Blois with the Duchess of Orleans. I am afraid that what was first done was unskillful, if not worse than useless. I am come, sir, to ask your advice.”
“Send directly to Blois, Raoul; or, rather, take horse and ride immediately yourself.”
Raoul bowed.
“But where is Louise?” asked the comte.
“I have brought her here, sir, and I have deposited her in charge of Charlotte, who, till better advice comes, has bathed the foot in cold well-water.”
The guests now all took leave of Athos, excepting the old Duc de Barbe, who, as an old friend of the family of La Valliere, went to see little Louise and offered to take her to Blois in his carriage.
“You are right, sir,” said Athos. “She will be the sooner with her mother. As for you, Raoul, I am sure it is your fault, some giddiness or folly62.”
“No, sir, I assure you,” muttered Raoul, “it is not.”
“Oh, no, no, I declare it is not!” cried the young girl, while Raoul turned pale at the idea of his being perhaps the cause of her disaster.
“Nevertheless, Raoul, you must go to Blois and you must make your excuses and mine to Madame de Saint-Remy.”
The youth looked pleased. He again took in his strong arms the little girl, whose pretty golden head and smiling face rested on his shoulder, and placed her gently in the carriage; then jumping on his horse with the elegance63 of a first-rate esquire, after bowing to Athos and D’Artagnan, he went off close by the door of the carriage, on somebody inside of which his eyes were riveted64.
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1
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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uncommonly
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| adv. 稀罕(极，非常) | |
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5
scattering
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| n.[物]散射；散乱，分散；在媒介质中的散播adj.散乱的；分散在不同范围的；广泛扩散的；（选票）数量分散的v.散射(scatter的ing形式)；散布；驱散 | |
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6
duel
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| n./v.决斗；(双方的)斗争 | |
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adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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10
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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baton
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| n.乐队用指挥杖 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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decrepitude
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| n.衰老；破旧 | |
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15
ruby
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| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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wagons
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| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
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18
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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denizens
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| n.居民，住户( denizen的名词复数 ) | |
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21
revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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chateau
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| n.城堡，别墅 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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24
thwarted
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| 阻挠( thwart的过去式和过去分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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25
dignify
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| vt.使有尊严；使崇高；给增光 | |
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agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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28
beholding
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| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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29
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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31
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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32
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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36
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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lackey
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| n.侍从；跟班 | |
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prudently
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| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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40
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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41
vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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42
faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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43
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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44
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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45
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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46
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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47
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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48
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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elongated
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| v.延长，加长( elongate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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50
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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51
ruffle
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| v.弄皱，弄乱；激怒，扰乱；n.褶裥饰边 | |
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52
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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53
wavy
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| adj.有波浪的，多浪的，波浪状的，波动的，不稳定的 | |
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54
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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55
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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56
inquisitively
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| 过分好奇地； 好问地 | |
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57
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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58
plume
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| n.羽毛；v.整理羽毛，骚首弄姿，用羽毛装饰 | |
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59
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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60
regenerated
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| v.新生，再生( regenerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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61
sprained
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| v.&n. 扭伤 | |
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62
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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63
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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64
riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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