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The Man in the Iron Mask, a novel by Alexandre Dumas |
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CHAPTER XXIX - Planchet's Inventory |
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_ Athos, during the visit made to the Luxembourg by Raoul, had gone to Planchet's residence to inquire after D'Artagnan. The comte, on arriving at the Rue des Lombards, found the shop of the grocer in great confusion; but it was not the encumberment of a lucky sale, or that of an arrival of goods. Planchet was not enthroned, as usual, on sacks and barrels. No. A young man with a pen behind his ear, and another with an account-book in his hand, were setting down a number of figures, whilst a third counted and weighed. An inventory was being taken. Athos, who had no knowledge of commercial matters, felt himself a little embarrassed by material obstacles and the majesty of those who were thus employed. He saw several customers sent away, and asked himself whether he, who came to buy nothing, would not be more properly deemed importunate. He therefore asked very politely if he could see M. Planchet. The reply, quite carelessly given, was that M. Planchet was packing his trunks. These words surprised Athos. "What! his trunks?" said he; "is M. Planchet going away?" "Yes, monsieur, directly." "Then, if you please, inform him that M. le Comte de la Fere desires to At the mention of the comte's name, one of the young men, no doubt "Ah! monsieur le comte!" exclaimed he, "how glad I am to see you! What "My dear Planchet," said Athos, pressing the hand of his son, whose sad "Ah, _diable!_ take care, monsieur; don't come near me till I have well "What for? Flour or dust only whiten." "No, no; what you see on my arms is arsenic." "Arsenic?" "Yes; I am taking my precautions against rats." "Ay, I suppose in an establishment like this, rats play a conspicuous "It is not with this establishment I concern myself, monsieur le comte. "What do you mean?" "Why, you may have observed, monsieur, my inventory is being taken." "Are you leaving trade, then?" "Eh! _mon Dieu!_ yes. I have disposed of my business to one of my young "Bah! you are rich, then, I suppose?" "Monsieur, I have taken a dislike to the city; I don't know whether it is Athos made a gesture of approval, and then added: "You are going to buy "I have bought one, monsieur." "Ah! that is still better." "A little house at Fontainebleau, with something like twenty acres of "Very well, Planchet! Accept my compliments on your acquisition." "But, monsieur, we are not comfortable here; the cursed dust makes you Athos did not smile at this little pleasantry which Planchet had aimed at "Yes," said Athos, "let us have a little talk by ourselves - in your own "Certainly, monsieur le comte." "Upstairs, perhaps?" And Athos, seeing Planchet a little embarrassed, "It is - but - " said Planchet, hesitating. Athos was mistaken in the cause of this hesitation, and, attributing it Raoul nimbly preceded him, and entered first. Two cries were heard "I ask your pardon!" added he; "madame is dressing." Raoul had, no doubt, seen that what Planchet said was true, for he turned "Madame - " said Athos. "Oh! pardon me, Planchet, I did not know that "It is Truchen," added Planchet, blushing a little. "It is whoever you please, my good Planchet; but pardon my rudeness." "No, no; go up now, gentlemen." "We will do no such thing," said Athos. "Oh! madame, having notice, has had time - " "No, Planchet; farewell!" "Eh, gentlemen! you would not disoblige me by thus standing on the "If we had known you had a lady upstairs," replied Athos, with his Planchet was so disconcerted by this little extravagance, that he forced "You want nothing now, then, but heirs to your property." "If I had one he would have three hundred thousand livres," said Planchet. "Humph! you must have one, then," said Athos, phlegmatically, "if only to This word _little fortune_ placed Planchet in his rank, like the voice of "Ah! monsieur le comte, Monsieur d'Artagnan has disappeared." "Disappeared!" said Athos, in surprise. "Oh! monsieur, we know what that means." "But _I_ do not know." "Whenever M. d'Artagnan disappears it is always for some mission or some "Has he said anything to you about it?" "Never." "You were acquainted with his departure for England formerly, were you "On account of the speculation." said Planchet, heedlessly. "The speculation!" "I mean - " interrupted Planchet, quite confused. "Well, well; neither your affairs nor those of your master are in "Monsieur le comte, I wish I were able to tell you - " "Oh, not at all; I am not the man to reproach a servant with discretion." This word "servant" struck rudely on the ears of the _demi-millionnaire_ "Aha?" "And remained several hours consulting a geographical chart." "You are right, then, my friend; say no more about it." "And the chart is there as a proof," added Planchet, who went to fetch "Never mind," said the young man to the comte, who silently, and with his Then, taking leave of Planchet, who was scolding his shopmen, even the "Every one journeys towards happiness by the route he chooses," said "Road to Fontainebleau!" cried Planchet to his coachman. _ |