Now this matter is settled, therefore, it remains for me to ask, with the greatest humility, your forgiveness for this shameless action, as most certainly I should have asked it of your father, if he were still alive, and if I had met him after my return to France, subsequent to the death of King Charles I." "That is too much, M.d'Artagnan," exclaimed many voices, with animation.
"No, gentlemen," said the captain.

"And now, M.de Wardes, I hope all is finished between us, and that you will have no further occasion to speak ill of me again.

Do you consider it completely settled ?" De Wardes bowed, and muttered to himself inarticulately.
"I trust also," said D'Artagnan, approaching the young man closely, "that you will no longer speak ill of any one, as it seems you have the unfortunate habit of doing; for a man so puritanically conscientious as you are, who can reproach an old soldier for a youthful freak five-and-thirty years after it happened, will allow me to ask whether you, who advocate such excessive purity of conscience, will undertake on your side to do nothing contrary either to conscience or the principle of honor.

And now, listen attentively to what I am going to say, M.de Wardes, in conclusion.

Take care that no tale, with which your name may be associated, reaches my ear." "Monsieur," said De Wardes, "it is useless threatening to no purpose." "I have not yet finished, M.de Wardes, and you must listen to me still further." The circle of listeners, full of eager curiosity, drew closer.
"You spoke just now of the honor of a woman, and of the honor of your father.