“What a disturbance,” replied De Wardes, attempting to
smile. The captain slightly signed to him with his hand, as
though to recommend him to be patient, and then led the way
to his apartments.
CHAPTER 95
Sword-thrusts in the Water (concluded)
D’Artagnan’s apartment was not unoccupied, for the Comte de
la Fere, seated in the recess of a window, awaited him.
“Well,” said he to D’Artagnan, as he saw him enter.
“Well,” said the latter, “M. de Wardes has done me the honor
to pay me a visit, in company with some of his own friends,
as well as of ours.” In fact, behind the musketeer appeared
De Wardes and Manicamp followed by De Guiche and Buckingham,
who looked surprised, not knowing what was expected of them.
Raoul was accompanied by two or three gentlemen; and, as he
entered, glanced round the room, and perceiving the count,
he went and placed himself by his side. D’Artagnan received
his visitors with all the courtesy he was capable of; he
preserved his unmoved and unconcerned look. All the persons
present were men of distinction, occupying posts of honor
and credit at the court. After he had apologized to each of
them for any inconvenience he might have put them to, he
turned towards De Wardes, who, in spite of his customary
self-command, could not prevent his face betraying some
surprise mingled with not a little uneasiness.
“Now, monsieur,” said D’Artagnan, “since we are no longer
within the precincts of the king’s palace, and since we can
speak out without failing in respect to propriety, I will
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inform you why I have taken the liberty to request you to
visit me here, and why I have invited these gentlemen to be
present at the same time. My friend, the Comte de la Fere,
has acquainted me with the injurious reports you are
spreading about myself. You have stated that you regard me
as your mortal enemy, because I was, so you affirm, that of
your father.”
“Perfectly true, monsieur, I have said so,” replied De
Wardes, whose pallid face became slightly tinged with color.
“You accuse me, therefore, of a crime, or a fault, or of
some mean and cowardly act. Have the goodness to state your
charge against me in precise terms.”
“In the presence of witnesses?”
“Most certainly in the presence of witnesses; and you see I
have selected them as being experienced in affairs of
honor.”
“You do not appreciate my delicacy, monsieur. I have accused
you, it is true; but I have kept the nature of the
accusation a perfect secret. I entered into no details; but
have rested satisfied by expressing my hatred in the
presence of those on whom a duty was almost imposed to
acquaint you with it. You have not taken the discreetness I
have shown into consideration, although you were interested
in remaining silent. I can hardly recognize your habitual
prudence in that, M. d’Artagnan.”
D’Artagnan, who was quietly biting the corner of his
mustache, said, “I have already had the honor to beg you to
state the particulars of the grievances you say you have
against me.”
“Aloud?”
“Certainly, aloud.”
“In that case, I will speak.”
“Speak, monsieur,” said D’Artagnan, bowing; “we are all
listening to you.”
“Well, monsieur, it is not a question of a personal injury
towards myself, but one towards my father.”
“That you have already stated.”
“Yes, but there are certain subjects which are only
approached with hesitation.”
“If that hesitation, in your case, really does exist, I
entreat you to overcome it.”
“Even if it refer to a disgraceful action?”
“Yes; in every and any case.”
Those who were present at this scene had, at first, looked
at each other with a good deal of uneasiness. They were
reassured, however, when they saw that D’Artagnan manifested
no emotion whatever.
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De Wardes still maintained the same unbroken silence.
“Speak, monsieur,” said the musketeer; “you see you are
keeping us waiting.”
“Listen, then: — My father loved a lady of noble birth, and
this lady loved my father.” D’Artagnan and Athos exchanged
looks. De Wardes continued: “M. d’Artagnan found some