The latter took Athos by the arm, and, after having asked Porthos's permission to say a word to his friend in private, "My dear Athos," he began, "you see me overwhelmed with grief and trouble." "With grief and trouble, my dear friend ?" cried the comte; "oh, what ?" "In two words.

I have conspired against the king; that conspiracy has failed, and, at this moment, I am doubtless pursued." "You are pursued!--a conspiracy! Eh! my friend, what do you tell me ?" "The saddest truth.

I am entirely ruined." "Well, but Porthos--this title of duke--what does all that mean ?" "That is the subject of my severest pain; that is the deepest of my wounds.

I have, believing in infallible success, drawn Porthos into my conspiracy.

He threw himself into it, as you know he would do, with all his strength, without knowing what he was about; and now he is as much compromised as myself--as completely ruined as I am." "Good God!" And Athos turned towards Porthos, who was smiling complacently.
"I must make you acquainted with the whole.