l; "pray let that
napkin be sent to me. I will have three fleur-de-lis embroidered on it
in gold, and will give it to your company as a standard."

"Monseigneur," said M. de Treville, "that will be unjust to the
Guardsmen. Monsieur d'Artagnan is not with me; he serves under Monsieur
Dessessart."

"Well, then, take him," said the cardinal; "when four men are so much
attached to one another, it is only fair that they should serve in the
same company."

That same evening M. de Treville announced this good news to the three
Musketeers and d'Artagnan, inviting all four to breakfast with him next
morning.

D'Artagnan was beside himself with joy. We know that the dream of his
life had been to become a Musketeer. The three friends were likewise
greatly delighted.

"My faith," said d'Artagnan to Athos, "you had a triumphant idea! As
you said, we have acquired glory, and were enabled to carry on a
conversation of the highest importance."

"Which we can resume now without anybody suspecting us, for, with the
help of God, we shall henceforth pass for cardinalists."

That evening d'Artagnan went to present his respects to M. Dessessart,
and inform him of his promotion.

M. Dessessart, who esteemed d'Artagnan, made him offers of help, as this
change would entail expenses for equipment.

D'Artagnan refused; but thinking the opportunity a good one, he begged
him to have the diamond he put into his hand valued, as he wished to
turn it into money.

The next day, M. Dessessart's valet came to d'Artagnan's lodging, and
gave him a bag containing seven thousand livres.

This was the price of the queen's diamond.

48 A FAMILY AFFAIR

Athos had invented the phrase, family affair. A family affair was not
subject to the investigation of the cardinal; a family affair concerned
nobody. People might employ themselves in a family affair before all the
world. Therefore Athos had invented the phrase, family affair.

Aramis had discovered the idea, the lackeys.

Porthos had discovered the means, the diamond.

D'Artagnan alone had discovered nothing--he, ordinarily the most
inventive of the four; but it must be also said that the very name of
Milady paralyzed him.

Ah! no, we were mistaken; he had discovered a purchaser for his diamond.

The breakfast at M. de Treville's was as gay and cheerful as possible.
D'Artagnan already wore his uniform--for being nearly of the same size
as Aramis, and as Aramis was so liberally paid