52 LOUISE DE UL VALLIERB. fore. Planchet himself was overcome by a feeling of the deepest humility. Still, in the same generosity of disposi- tion, Porthos would have emptied his pockets into the hands of the cook and of Oelestm; but D'Artagnan stopped him.
- No,** he said, "it is now my turn." And he gave one
pistole to the woman and two to the man; and the benedic- tions which were showered down upon them would have lejoiced the heart of Harpagon himself, and have rendered even him prodigal of his money. D'Artagnan made Planchet lead them to the chateau, and introduced Porthos into his own apartment, where he arrived safely without having been perceived by those he was afraid of meeting. CHAPTER VIII. THE PRESENTATION OF PORTHOS AT OOtTRT. At seven o'clock the same evening the king gave an audience to an ambassador from the United Provinces in the grand reception-room. The audience lasted a quarter of an hour. His majesty afterward received those who had been recently presented, together with a few ladies, who paid their respects the first. In one corner of the salon, concealed behind a column, Porthos and D'Artagnan were conversing together, waiting until their turn arrived. "Have you heard the news?" inquired the musketeer of his friend. "No." "Well, look then." Porthos raised himself on tiptoe, and saw M. Fouquet, in full court dress, leading Aramis toward the king. "Aramis," said Porthos. "Presented to the king by Monsieur Fouquet." "Ah!" ejaculated Porthos. "For baring fortified Belle-Isle," continued D'Artagnan. "And I?" "You — oh! you, as I have already had the honor of tell- ing you, are the good-natured, kind-hearted Porthos; and so they begged you to take care of St. Mande a little."
- 'Ah!" repeated Porthos.
"But, very happily, I was there," said D'Artagnan, "and presently it will be my turn."
