LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. 411 "I should like to persuade you of one thing, namely, that I wish to be arrested, that I desire, above all things, that my arrest should take place." D'Artagnan made a light movement of his shoulders.
- 'Nay, I wish it, I repeat, more than anything; if you
were to let me escape, it would be only to return of my own accord, and constitute myself a prisoner. I wish to prove to this young man who is dazzled by the power and splendor of his crown that he can be regarded as the first and chief- est among men only on one condition of his proving himself to be the most generous and the wisest among them. He may punish me, imprison or torture me, it matters not. He abuses his opportunities, and I wish him to learn the bitterness of remorse, while Heaven teaches him what a chastisement is." "Well, well!" replied D'Artagnan, I know only too well that when you have once said 'no,' you mean 'no.' I do not insist any longer; you wish to go to the Bastile?" "I do wish to go there." "Let us go, then. To the Bastilel" cried D'Artagnan to the coachman. And throwing himself back in the carriage, he gnawed the ends of his mustache with a fury which, for Athos, who knew him well, signified a resolution either already taken or in course of formation. A profound silence ensued in the carriage, which continued to roll on, but neither faster now slower than before. Athos took the musketeer by the hand. "You are not angry with me, D'Artagnan?" he said. "I? — oh, no, certainly not; of course not. What you do from heroism I should have done from sheer obstinacy." "But you are quite of opinion, are you not, that Heaven will avenge me, D'Artagnan?" "And I know some persons on earth who will lend a help- ing hand," said the captain. CHAPTER LXIII. THREE GUESTS ASTONISHED TO FIND THEMSELVES AT SUPPEB TOGETHER. The carriage arrived at the outside gate of the Bastile. A soldier on guard stopped it, but D'Artagnan had only to
