favorite wine.

"Formerly, monsieur," said Planchet, with a smile full of
bonhomie, "it was I who drank your wine; now you do me the
honor to drink mine."

"And, thank God, friend Planchet, I shall drink it for a
long time to come, I hope; for at present I am free."

"Free? You have leave of absence, monsieur?"

"Unlimited."

"You are leaving the service?" said Planchet, stupefied.

"Yes, I am resting."

"And the king?" cried Planchet, who could not suppose it
possible that the king could do without the services of such
a man as D'Artagnan.

"The king will try his fortune elsewhere. But we have supped
well, you are disposed to enjoy yourself; you invite me to
confide in you. Open your ears, then."

"They are open." And Planchet, with a laugh more frank than
cunning, opened a bottle of white wine.

"Leave me my reason, at least."