Terror had had such an effect upon the poor girl that she had never ceased walking from Paris till she reached Burgundy, her native place.
The worthy mercer had, immediately upon re-entering his house, informed his wife of his happy return, and his wife had replied by congratulating him, and telling him that the first moment she could steal from her duties should be devoted to paying him a visit.
This first moment had been delayed five days, which, under any other circumstances, might have appeared rather long to M.Bonacieux; but he had, in the visit he had made to the cardinal and in the visits Rochefort had made him, ample subjects for reflection, and as everybody knows, nothing makes time pass more quickly than reflection.
This was the more so because Bonacieux's reflections were all rose-colored.

Rochefort called him his friend, his dear Bonacieux, and never ceased telling him that the cardinal had a great respect for him.

The mercer fancied himself already on the high road to honors and fortune.
On her side Mme.Bonacieux had also reflected; but, it must be admitted, upon something widely different from ambition.

In spite of herself her thoughts constantly reverted to that handsome young man who was so brave and appeared to be so much in love.

Married at eighteen to M.Bonacieux, having always lived among her husband's friends--people little capable of inspiring any sentiment whatever in a young woman whose heart was above her position--Mme.Bonacieux had remained insensible to vulgar seductions; but at this period the title of gentleman had great influence with the citizen class, and d'Artagnan was a gentleman.
Besides, he wore the uniform of the Guards, which next to that of the Musketeers was most admired by the ladies.