Chapter 29 - Page 2

mon Dieu! yes. I have disposed of my business to one of my young men.”

“Bah! you are rich, then?”

“Monsieur, I have taken a dislike to the city. I don’t know whether it is because I am growing old, and, as M. d’Artagnan one day said, when we grow old we more often think of the things of our youth; but for some time past I have felt myself attracted towards the country and gardening. I was a countryman formerly”; and Planchet marked this confession with a somewhat pretentious laugh for a man making profession of humility.

Athos made a gesture of approval, and then added, “You are going to buy an estate, then?”

“I have bought one, Monsieur.”

“Ah! that is still better.”

“A little house at Fontainebleau, with something like twenty acres of land round it.”

“Very well, Planchet! Accept my compliments on your acquisition.”

“But, Monsieur, we are not comfortable here; the cursed dust makes you cough. Corbleu! I should not wish to poison the most worthy gentleman in the kingdom.”

Athos did not smile at this little pleasantry which Planchet had aimed at him to try his strength in fashionable humor.

“Yes,” said he; “let us have a little talk by ourselves,- in your own room, for example. You have a room, have you not?”

“Certainly, Monsieur the Count.”

“Upstairs, perhaps?” And Athos, seeing Planchet a little embarrassed, wished to relieve him by going first.

“It is- but-” said Planchet, hesitating.

Athos was mistaken in the cause of this hesitation, and attributing it to a fear the grocer might have of offering humble hospitality, “Never mind, never mind,” said he, still going up, “the dwelling of a tradesman in this quarter is not expected to be a palace. Come on!”

Raoul nimbly preceded him, and entered first. Two cries were heard simultaneously- we may say three. One of these cries dominated over the others; it was uttered by a woman. The other proceeded from the mouth of Raoul; it was an exclamation of surprise. He had no sooner made it than he shut the door sharply. The third was from fright; Planchet had uttered it. “I ask your pardon!” added he; “Madame is dressing.”

Raoul had, no doubt, seen that what Planchet said was true, for he turned round to go downstairs again.

“Madame?” said Athos. “Oh, pardon me, Planchet, I did not know that you had upstairs-”

“It is Truchen,” added Planchet, blushing a little.

“It is whoever you please, my good Planchet; pardon our indiscretion.”

“No, no; go up now, gentlemen.”