Chapter 1

Chapter I:
Malaga.

During all these long and noisy debates between the opposite ambitions of
politics and love, one of our characters, perhaps the one least deserving
of neglect, was, however, very much neglected, very much forgotten, and
exceedingly unhappy. In fact, D'Artagnan - D'Artagnan, we say, for we
must call him by his name, to remind our readers of his existence -
D'Artagnan, we repeat, had absolutely nothing whatever to do, amidst
these brilliant butterflies of fashion. After following the king during
two whole days at Fontainebleau, and critically observing the various
pastoral fancies and heroi-comic transformations of his sovereign, the
musketeer felt that he needed something more than this to satisfy the
cravings of his nature. At every moment assailed by people asking him,
"How do you think this costume suits me, Monsieur d'Artagnan?" he would
reply to them in quiet, sarcastic tones, "Why, I think you are quite as
well-dressed as the best-dressed monkey to be found in the fair at Saint-
Laurent." It was just such a compliment D'Artagnan would choose where he
did not feel disposed to pay any other: and, whether agreeable or not,
the inquirer was obliged to be satisfied with it. Whenever any one asked
him, "How do you intend to dress yourself this evening?" he replied, "I
shall undress myself;" at which the ladies all laughed, and a few of them
blushed. But after a couple of days passed in this manner, the
musketeer, perceiving that nothing serious was likely to arise which
would concern him, and that the king had completely, or, at least,
appeared to have completely forgotten Paris, Saint-Mande, and Belle-Isle
- that M. Colbert's mind was occupied with illuminations and fireworks -
that for the next month, at least, the ladies had plenty of glances to
bestow, and also to receive in exchange - D'Artagnan asked the king for
leave of absence for a matter of private business. At the moment
D'Artagnan made his request, his majesty was on the point of going to
bed, quite exhausted from dancing.

"You wish to leave me, Monsieur d'Artagnan?" inquired the king, with an
air of astonishment; for Louis XIV. could never understand why any one
who had the distinguished honor of being near him could wish to leave him.

"Sire," said D'Artagnan, "I leave you simply because I am not of the
slightest service to you in anything. Ah! if I could only hold the
balancing-pole while you were dancing, it would be a very different
affair."

"But, my dear Monsieur d'Artagnan," said the king, gravely, "people dance
without balancing-poles."

"Ah! indeed," said the musketeer, continuing his imperceptible tone of
irony, "I had no idea such a thing was possible."

"You have not seen me