The envelope was certainly a little dirty, and rather crumpled, but at all events the letter itself was found.

D'Artagnan observed that the broken seal attracted the soldier's attention a good deal, but he finished apparently by consoling himself, and returned the letter to his belt.

"Go on," said D'Artagnan, "I have plenty of time before me, so you may precede me.

It appears that Aramis is not in Paris, since Baisemeaux writes to Porthos.

Dear Porthos, how delighted I shall be to see him again, and to have some conversation with him!" said the Gascon.