But scarcely had the two rapiers clashed, when a company of the
Guards of his Eminence, commanded by M. de Jussac, turned the
corner of the convent.

"The cardinal's Guards!" cried Aramis and Porthos at the same
time. "Sheathe your swords, gentlemen, sheathe your swords!"

But it was too late. The two combatants had been seen in a
position which left no doubt of their intentions.

"Halloo!" cried Jussac, advancing toward them and making a sign
to his men to do so likewise, "halloo, Musketeers? Fighting
here, are you? And the edicts? What is become of them?"

"You are very generous, gentlemen of the Guards," said Athos,
full of rancor, for Jussac was one of the aggressors of the
preceding day. "If we were to see you fighting, I can assure you
that we would make no effort to prevent you. Leave us alone,
then, and you will enjoy a little amusement without cost to
yourselves."

"Gentlemen," said Jussac, "it is with great regret that I
pronounce the thing impossible. Duty before everything.
Sheathe, then, if you please, and follow us."

"Monsieur," said Aramis, parodying Jussac, "it would afford us
great pleasure to obey your polite invitation if it depended upon
ourselves; but unfortunately the thing is impossible--Monsieur de
Treville has forbidden it. Pass on your way, then; it is the
best thing to do."