D'Artagnan was acquainted with nobody in Paris.

He went therefore to his appointment with Athos without a second, determined to be satisfied with those his adversary should choose.

Besides, his intention was formed to make the brave Musketeer all suitable apologies, but without meanness or weakness, fearing that might result from this duel which generally results from an affair of this kind, when a young and vigorous man fights with an adversary who is wounded and weakened--if conquered, he doubles the triumph of his antagonist; if a conqueror, he is accused of foul play and want of courage.
Now, we must have badly painted the character of our adventure seeker, or our readers must have already perceived that d'Artagnan was not an ordinary man; therefore, while repeating to himself that his death was inevitable, he did not make up his mind to die quietly, as one less courageous and less restrained might have done in his place.

He reflected upon the different characters of men he had to fight with, and began to view his situation more clearly.

He hoped, by means of loyal excuses, to make a friend of Athos, whose lordly air and austere bearing pleased him much.