D’Artagnan increased the sharpness of his penetrating gaze, which no secret was capable of resisting. “You are unhappy about something,” he said.
“I am, indeed; and you know the reason very well, Monsieur d’Artagnan.”
“I?”
“Of course. Nay, do not pretend to be astonished.”
“I am not pretending to be astonished, my friend.”
“Dear captain, I know very well that in all trials of finesse, as well as in all trials of strength, I shall be beaten by you.
You can see that at the present moment I am an idiot, an absolute noodle. I have neither head nor arm; do not despise, but help me. In two words, I am the most wretched of living beings.”