“Humph! humph!” grumbled Porthos, which D’Artagnan pretended not to hear; and, changing the conversation, he said, “You seem to be living in a very solitary place here, my dear fellow?”
“I always preferred retirement. I am of a melancholy disposition,” replied Porthos, with a sigh.
“Really, that is odd,” said D’Artagnan, “I never remarked that before.”
“It is only since I have taken to reading,” said Porthos, with a thoughtful air.
“But the labors of the mind have not affected the health of the body, I trust?”
“Not in the slightest degree.”
“Your strength is as great as ever?”