which during all his life had been D’Artagnan’s 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 a 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