It would be, no doubt, parbleu, if we write to Lord de Winter about affairs of vast importance, of the horrors of the cardinal--" "Speak lower!" said Athos.
"-- of intrigues and secrets of state," continued d'Artagnan, complying with the recommendation.

"There can be no doubt we would all be broken on the wheel; but for God's sake, do not forget, as you yourself said, Athos, that we only write to him concerning a family affair; that we only write to him to entreat that as soon as Milady arrives in London he will put it out of her power to injure us.

I will write to him, then, nearly in these terms." "Let us see," said Athos, assuming in advance a critical look.
"Monsieur and dear friend--" "Ah, yes! Dear friend to an Englishman," interrupted Athos; "well commenced! Bravo, d'Artagnan! Only with that word you would be quartered instead of being broken on the wheel." "Well, perhaps.

I will say, then, Monsieur, quite short." "You may even say, My Lord," replied Athos, who stickled for propriety.
"My Lord, do you remember the little goat pasture of the Luxembourg ?" "Good, the Luxembourg! One might believe this is an allusion to the queen-mother! That's ingenious," said Athos.
"Well, then, we will put simply, My Lord, do you remember a certain little enclosure where your life was spared ?" "My dear d'Artagnan, you will never make anything but a very bad secretary.

Where your life was spared! For shame! that's unworthy.