Duke, assist me.

If you were offered, that is to say, if I offered you the chief command of my musketeers ?" D'Artagnan bowed lower than before.
"I should have the regret to refuse what your gracious majesty would offer me," said he; "a gentleman has but his word, and that word, as I have had the honor to tell your majesty, is engaged to the king of France." "We shall say no more about it, then," said the king, turning towards Athos, and leaving D'Artagnan plunged in the deepest pangs of disappointment.
"Ah! I said so!" muttered the musketeer.

"Words! words! Court holy water! Kings have always a marvelous talent for offering us that which they know we will not accept, and in appearing generous without risk.

So be it!--triple fool that I was to have hoped for a moment!" During this time, Charles took the hand of Athos.

"Comte," said he, "you have been to me a second father; the services you have rendered to me are above all price.