“You are an amiable and charming young man,” said Madame Bonacieux. “Be assured you will not find Her Majesty ungrateful.”

“Oh, I am already grandly recompensed!” cried d’Artagnan. “I love you; you permit me to tell you that I do⁠—that is already more happiness than I dared to hope.”

“Silence!” said Madame Bonacieux, starting.

“What!”

“Someone is talking in the street.”

“It is the voice of⁠—”

“Of my husband! Yes, I recognize it!”

D’Artagnan ran to the door and pushed the bolt.

“He shall not come in before I am gone,” said he; “and when I am gone, you can open to him.”