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524 THE VICOMTE DK BRAGELONNE. Athos, smiling at his friend's philosophy, unsealed his letter. "Ah!" said he, "a letter from Parry." "Oh! oh! said D'Artagnan, "read it, my friend, read it; it no doubt contains news. Athos shook his head, and read: Monsieur le Comte: The king has experienced much regret at not seeing you to-day, near him, at his entrance. His majesty commands me to say so, and £0 recall him to your memory. His majesty will expect you this evening, at the Palace of St. James, between nine and ten o'clock. "I am, with respect, Monsieur le Comte, your honor's very humble and very obedient servant, Parry." "You see, my dear D'Artagnan," said Athos, "we must not despair of the hearts of kings." "Not despair! you have reason to say so!" replied D'Artagnan. "Oh, my dear, very dear friend," resumed Athos, whom the almost imperceptible bitterness of D'Artagnan had not escaped. "Pardon me, can I have unintentionally wounded my best comrade?" "You are mad, Athos, and to prove it I will conduct you to the palace, to the very gate, I mean; the walk will do me good." "You will go in with me, my friend; I will speak to his majesty." "No, no!" replied D'Artagnan, with a true pride, free from all mixture; "if there is anything worse than begging yourself, it is making others beg for you. Come, let us go, my friend, the walk will be charming; I will, in pass- ing, show you the house of Monsieur Monk, who has de- tained me with him. A beautiful house, by my faith. Being a general in England is better than being a marechal in France, please to know." Athos allowed himself to be led along, made quite sad by D'Artagnan's forced attempts at gayety. The whole city was in a state of joy; the two friends were jostled at every moment by enthusiasts who required them, in their intoxication, to cry out, "Long live good King Charles!" D'Artagnan replied by a grunt, and Athos by a smile. They arrived thus in front of Monk's house, before which, as we have said, they had to pass on their way to St. James'. Athos and D'Artagnan said but little on their