But after a couple of days passed in this manner, the musketeer, perceiving that nothing serious was likely to arise which would concern him, and that the king had completely, or, at least, appeared to have completely forgotten Paris, Saint-Mande, and Belle-Isle--that M.Colbert's mind was occupied with illuminations and fireworks--that for the next month, at least, the ladies had plenty of glances to bestow, and also to receive in exchange--D'Artagnan asked the king for leave of absence for a matter of private business.

At the moment D'Artagnan made his request, his majesty was on the point of going to bed, quite exhausted from dancing.
"You wish to leave me, Monsieur d'Artagnan ?" inquired the king, with an air of astonishment; for Louis XIV.

could never understand why any one who had the distinguished honor of being near him could wish to leave him.
"Sire," said D'Artagnan, "I leave you simply because I am not of the slightest service to you in anything.

Ah! if I could only hold the balancing-pole while you were dancing, it would be a very different affair." "But, my dear Monsieur d'Artagnan," said the king, gravely, "people dance without balancing-poles." "Ah! indeed," said the musketeer, continuing his imperceptible tone of irony, "I had no idea such a thing was possible." "You have not seen me dance, then ?" inquired the king.
"Yes; but I always thought dancers went from easy to difficult acrobatic feats.

I was mistaken; all the more greater reason, therefore, that I should leave for a time.