finished in a very ridiculous manner. But D'Artagnan was there, and, on
every occasion, wheresoever D'Artagnan exercised any control, matters
ended only just in the very way he wished and willed. There were general
embracings; Truchen, whom the baron's munificence had restored to her
proper position, very timidly, and blushing all the while, presented her
forehead to the great lord with whom she had been on such very pretty
terms the evening before. Planchet himself was overcome by a feeling of
genuine humility. Still, in the same generosity of disposition, Porthos
would have emptied his pockets into the hands of the cook and of
Celestin; but D'Artagnan stopped him.

"No," he said, "it is now my turn." And he gave one pistole to the woman
and two to the man; and the benedictions which were showered down upon
them would have rejoiced the heart of Harpagon himself, and have rendered
even him a prodigal.

D'Artagnan made Planchet lead them to the chateau, and introduced Porthos
into his own apartment, where he arrived safely without having been
perceived by those he was afraid of meeting.


Chapter VIII:
The Presentation of Porthos at Court.

At seven o'clock the same evening, the king gave an audience to an
ambassador from the United Provinces, in the grand reception-room. The
audience lasted a quarter of an hour. His majesty afterwards received
those who had been recently presented, together with a few ladies, who
paid their respects first. In one corner of the salon, concealed behind
a column, Porthos and D'Artagnan were conversing together, waiting until