er proposal that I like,' said Athos with an approving nod
of the head; 'it is that of a man lacking neither wit nor valour.
Sir, I like men of your stamp; and I see that if we do not kill
one another, I shall hereafter have much pleasure in your
society. But let us wait for these gentlemen, I beg of you. I
have plenty of time, and it will be more according to rule. Ha!
here comes one of them.'

"At that moment the gigantic form of Porthos appeared at the
extremity of the Rue Vaugirard.

"'What!' cried D'Artagnan, 'Monsieur Porthos is one of your
seconds?'

"'Yes; is it disagreeable to you?'

"'By no means.'

"'And here is the other.'

"D'Artagnan turned his head and recognised Aramis.

"'What!' he exclaimed in still greater astonishment, 'Monsieur
Aramis is the other?'

"'Certainly; do you not know that we are never seen asunder, and
are known in court, camp, and city, as Athos, Porthos, and
Aramis, or the three inseparables? But you are just arrived from
Gascony, which accounts for your being unacquainted with these
circumstances.'

"Meanwhile Porthos, who had abandoned his cloak and changed his
shoulder-belt, approached, nodded to Athos, but on beholding
D'Artagnan, remained struck with astonishment.

"'This is the gentleman I am to fight with,' said Athos
indicating D'Artagnan with his hand, at the same time bowing to
him.

"'It is with him that I am to fight,' said Porthos.

"'Not till one o'clock,' said D'Artagnan.

"'And I also,' said Aramis, who just then came up.

"'Our appointment was for two o'clock,' said D'Artagnan with
perfect composure.

"'What are you going to fight about, Athos?' asked Aramis.

"'Faith, I can hardly tell you. He hurt my shoulder. And you,
Porthos?'

"'I fight because I am so minded,' replied Porthos colouring.

"Athos, whom nothing escaped, saw a slight smile curling
D'Artagnan's lip.

"'We had a dispute about dress,' said the young Gascon.

"'And you, Aramis?' asked Athos.

"'A theological difference,' replied Aramis, making a sign to
D'Artagnan that he wished the cause of their duel to remain a
secret.

"'Indeed!' said Athos looking at D'Artagnan.

"'Yes, a point of St Augustin on which we are not agreed,' said
the latter.