His reserve, his roughness, and his silence made almost an old man of him.

He had, then, in order not to disturb his habits, accustomed Grimaud to obey him upon a simple gesture or upon a simple movement of his lips.

He never spoke to him, except under the most extraordinary occasions.
Sometimes, Grimaud, who feared his master as he did fire, while entertaining a strong attachment to his person and a great veneration for his talents, believed he perfectly understood what he wanted, flew to execute the order received, and did precisely the contrary.

Athos then shrugged his shoulders, and, without putting himself in a passion, thrashed Grimaud.

On these days he spoke a little.
Porthos, as we have seen, had a character exactly opposite to that of Athos.