d
the most profound respect for his actions. So much the better for me,
sir, if you speak to me, as you say, with frankness--for then you will
do me the honor to esteem the resemblance of our opinions; but if you
have entertained any doubt, as naturally you may, I feel that I am
ruining myself by speaking the truth. But I still trust you will not
esteem me the less for it, and that is my object beyond all others."

M. de Treville was surprised to the greatest degree. So much
penetration, so much frankness, created admiration, but did not entirely
remove his suspicions. The more this young man was superior to others,
the more he was to be dreaded if he meant to deceive him; "You are an
honest youth; but at the present moment I can only do for you that which
I just now offered. My hotel will be always open to you. Hereafter,
being able to ask for me at all hours, and consequently to take
advantage of all opportunities, you will probably obtain that which you
desire."

"That is to say," replied d'Artagnan, "that you will wait until I
have proved myself worthy of it. Well, be assured," added he, with the
familiarity of a Gascon, "you shall not wait long." And he bowed in
order to retire, and as if he considered the future in his own hands.

"But wait a minute," said M. de Treville, stopping him. "I promised you
a letter for the director of the Academy. Are you too proud to accept
it, young gentleman?"

"No, sir," said d'Artagnan; "and I will guard it so carefully that I
will be sworn it shall arrive at its address, and woe be to him who
shall attempt to take it from me!"

M. de Treville smiled at this flourish; and leaving his young man
compatriot in the embrasure of the window, where they had talked
together, he seated himself at a table in order to write the promised
letter of recommendation. While he was doing this, d'Artagnan, having no
better employment, amused himself with beating a march upon the window
and with looking at the Musketeers, who went away, one after another,
following them with his eyes until they disappeared.

M. de Treville, after having written the letter, sealed it, and rising,
approached the young man in order to give it to him. But at the very
moment when d'Artagnan stretched out his hand to receive it, M. de
Treville was highly astonished to see his protege make a sudden spring,
become crimson with passion, and rush from the cabinet crying, "S'blood,
he shall not escape me this time!"

"