"'I fight because I am so minded,' replied Porthos colouring.
"Athos, whom nothing escaped, saw a slight smile curling D'Artagnan's lip.
"'We had a dispute about dress,' said the young Gascon.
"'And you, Aramis?' asked Athos.
"'A theological difference,' replied Aramis, making a sign to D'Artagnan that he wished the cause of their duel to remain a secret.
"'Indeed!' said Athos looking at D'Artagnan.
"'Yes, a point of St Augustin on which we are not agreed,' said the latter.
"'Decidedly he is a man of wit and sense,' muttered Athos to himself.
"'And now that you are all assembled, gentlemen,' said D'Artagnan, 'allow me to apologise to you.'
"At the word apologise, a cloud passed across the features of Athos, Porthos smiled contemptuously, Aramis made a negative sign.