The Englishman showed D'Artagnan a letter: "From the general," said he.
"Aye! that's it, my dismissal!" replied the Gascon. "Must I read it, Athos?"
"You must be deceived," said Athos, "or I know no more honest people in the world but you and myself."
D'Artagnan shrugged his shoulders and unsealed the letter, while the impassible Englishman held for him a large lantern, by the light of which he was enabled to read it.
"Well, what is the matter?" said Athos, seeing the countenance of the reader change.
"Read it yourself," said the musketeer.
Athos took the paper and read: "MONSIEUR D'ARTAGNAN.--The king regrets very much you did not come to St. Paul's with his cortege. He missed you, as I also have missed you, my dear captain. There is but one means of repairing all this. His majesty expects me at nine o'clock at the palace of St. James's: will you be there at the same time with me? His gracious majesty appoints that hour for an audience he grants you."
This letter was from Monk.