“You accuse me, therefore, of a crime, or a fault, or of some mean and cowardly act. Have the goodness to state your charge against me in precise terms.” “In the presence of witnesses?” “Most certainly in the presence of witnesses; and you see I have selected them as being experienced in affairs of honor.” “You do not appreciate my delicacy, monsieur. I have accused you, it is true; but I have kept the nature of the accusation a perfect secret. I entered into no details; but have rested satisfied by expressing my hatred in the presence of those on whom a duty was almost imposed to acquaint you with it. You have not taken the discreetness I have shown into consideration, although you were interested in remaining silent. I can hardly recognize your habitual prudence in that, M. d’Artagnan.” D’Artagnan, who was quietly biting the corner of his moustache, said, “I have already had the honor to beg you to state the particulars of the grievances you say you have against me.” “Aloud?” “Certainly, aloud.” “In that case, I will speak.” “Speak, monsieur,” said D’Artagnan, bowing; “we are all listening to you.” “Well, monsieur, it is not a question of a personal injury towards myself, but one towards my father.” “That you have already stated.” “Yes; but there are certain subjects which are only approached with hesitation.” “If that hesitation, in your case, really does exist, I entreat you to overcome it.” “Even if it refer to a disgraceful action?” “Yes; in every and any case.” Those who were present at this scene had, at first, looked at each other with a good deal of uneasiness. They were reassured, however, when they saw that D’Artagnan manifested no emotion whatever. De Wardes still maintained the same unbroken silence. “Speak, monsieur,” said the musketeer; “you see you are keeping us waiting.” “Listen, then:--My father loved a lady of noble birth, and this lady loved my father.” D’Artagnan and Athos exchanged looks. De Wardes continued: “M. d’Artagnan found some letters which indicated a rendezvous, substituted himself, under disguise, for the person who was expected, and took advantage of the darkness.” “That is perfectly true,” said D’Artagnan. A slight murmur was heard from those present. “Yes, I was guilty of that dishonorable action. You should have added, monsieur, since you are so impartial, that, at the period when the circumstance which you have just related happened, I was not one-and-twenty years of age.” A renewed murmur was heard, but this time of astonishment, and almost of doubt.