Athos believed that everyone should be left to his own free will.

He never gave advice but when it was asked, and even then he required to be asked twice.
"People, in general," he said, "only ask advice not to follow it; or if they do follow it, it is for the sake of having someone to blame for having given it." Porthos arrived a minute after d'Artagnan.

The four friends were reunited.
The four countenances expressed four different feelings: that of Porthos, tranquillity; that of d'Artagnan, hope; that of Aramis, uneasiness; that of Athos, carelessness.
At the end of a moment's conversation, in which Porthos hinted that a lady of elevated rank had condescended to relieve him from his embarrassment, Mousqueton entered.

He came to request his master to return to his lodgings, where his presence was urgent, as he piteously said.
"Is it my equipment ?" "Yes and no," replied Mousqueton.
"Well, but can't you speak ?" "Come, monsieur." Porthos rose, saluted his friends, and followed Mousqueton.

An instant after, Bazin made his appearance at the door.
"What do you want with me, my friend ?" said Aramis, with that mildness of language which was observable in him every time that his ideas were directed toward the Church.
"A man wishes to see Monsieur at home," replied Bazin.
"A man! What man ?" "A mendicant." "Give him alms, Bazin, and bid him pray for a poor sinner." "This mendicant insists upon speaking to you, and pretends that you will be very glad to see him." "Has he sent no particular message for me ?" "Yes.