Nevertheless, to d'Artagnan's great astonishment, the pretty Kitty defended herself resolutely.
Time passes quickly when it is passed in attacks and defenses.

Midnight sounded, and almost at the same time the bell was rung in Milady's chamber.
"Good God," cried Kitty, "there is my mistress calling me! Go; go directly!" D'Artagnan rose, took his hat, as if it had been his intention to obey, then, opening quickly the door of a large closet instead of that leading to the staircase, he buried himself amid the robes and dressing gowns of Milady.
"What are you doing ?" cried Kitty.
D'Artagnan, who had secured the key, shut himself up in the closet without reply.
"Well," cried Milady, in a sharp voice.

"Are you asleep, that you don't answer when I ring ?" And d'Artagnan heard the door of communication opened violently.
"Here am I, Milady, here am I!" cried Kitty, springing forward to meet her mistress.
Both went into the bedroom, and as the door of communication remained open, d'Artagnan could hear Milady for some time scolding her maid.

She was at length appeased, and the conversation turned upon him while Kitty was assisting her mistress.
"Well," said Milady, "I have not seen our Gascon this evening." "What, Milady! has he not come ?" said Kitty.

"Can he be inconstant before being happy ?" "Oh, no; he must have been prevented by Monsieur de Treville or Monsieur Dessessart.