[The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas]@TWC D-Link bookThe Three Musketeers 25 PORTHOS 3/25
In fact, in addition to that yellow, sickly paleness which indicates the insinuation of the bile in the blood, and which might, besides, be accidental, d'Artagnan remarked something perfidiously significant in the play of the wrinkled features of his countenance. A rogue does not laugh in the same way that an honest man does; a hypocrite does not shed the tears of a man of good faith.
All falsehood is a mask; and however well made the mask may be, with a little attention we may always succeed in distinguishing it from the true face. It appeared, then, to d'Artagnan that M.Bonacieux wore a mask, and likewise that that mask was most disagreeable to look upon.
In consequence of this feeling of repugnance, he was about to pass without speaking to him, but, as he had done the day before, M.Bonacieux accosted him. "Well, young man," said he, "we appear to pass rather gay nights! Seven o'clock in the morning! PESTE! You seem to reverse ordinary customs, and come home at the hour when other people are going out." "No one can reproach you for anything of the kind, Monsieur Bonacieux," said the young man; "you are a model for regular people.
It is true that when a man possesses a young and pretty wife, he has no need to seek happiness elsewhere.
Happiness comes to meet him, does it not, Monsieur Bonacieux ?" Bonacieux became as pale as death, and grinned a ghastly smile. "Ah, ah!" said Bonacieux, "you are a jocular companion! But where the devil were you gladding last night, my young master? It does not appear to be very clean in the crossroads." D'Artagnan glanced down at his boots, all covered with mud; but that same glance fell upon the shoes and stockings of the mercer, and it might have been said they had been dipped in the same mud heap.
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