Chapter 34: In Which the Equipments of Aramis and Porthos is Treated of

Summary

     Yeah, I don’t get the title either. But the general gist of the chapter is Aramis’s and Porthos’s equipment, and how they either got or failed to get money for it. Also, a character that disappeared in the early chapters makes an unexpected return. As we know, the Fearsome Four have been busy attempting to get money (or in Athos’s case, waiting for money to find him). So, they only meet once a week, at Athos’s house because he refuses to leave his home. At their weekly meeting, everyone is calm except for Aramis, who is anxious. Shortly, a messenger for Aramis comes along, and he rushes off in great excitement to see what the message is. Then, Mousqueton comes in with a message for Porthos. Porthos inquires if the horses from Madame Coquenard have arrived. Mousqueton gives his catchphrase, “yes and no,” and bids Porthos to follow him and see the trouble. Athos and d’Artagnan are a bit stiff with each other, since they cannot agree about Milady. D’Artagnan wants to tell Athos everything, including the forged letter he gave to Kitty, but he hesitates, knowing that Athos would disapprove. Dumas now leaves the two friends to stew in uncomfortable small talk or silence or whatever, and switches to Aramis’s story.

     Aramis’s message is from the Duchesse of Chevreuse, and it says that she hopes they will be reunited soon. Aramis is overjoyed to see the letter and at first doesn’t even notice the bag of gold that the Duchesse has sent along with it. Now he can pay for his outfit! However, he looks at the duchesse’s letter with more interest than the money. Aww. Now that’s more loving than any of d’Artagnan’s ‘relationships.’ Aramis is doing a mental happy dance when d’Artagnan walks in. Huh. I guess Athos and d’Artagnan had so little to talk about that they parted ways despite this being their first meeting in a week. Ouch – I actually liked their friendship and I hope it doesn’t disappear because of d’Artagnan’s stupid womanizing ways. Aramis again lies and tells d’Artagnan that the gold is from his publisher, but d’Artagnan sees through the fib. Regardless, both are very happy that Aramis is all set money-wise.

     In his joyful state, Aramis decides to treat everyone to dinner. Of course, they must eat at Athos’s since Athos won’t leave his abode. Athos decides to order the food since he has good taste. Then, Aramis and d’Artagnan go to find Porthos. On their way, they encounter Mousqueton, who is leading a terribly low-quality set of animals; a horse and mule. The horse is quite ugly, and an odd color. No, it cannot be. Yes, it is! IT’S HIM! It’s d’Artagnan’s old horse! It’s horse’Artagnan! I thought we’d never see his skinny yellow hide again. This is such a beautiful reunion. D’Artagnan is highly shocked and kind of delighted to see him again. This reminds me of when I used to love d’Artagnan’s character. Then, d’Artagnan and Aramis wait for Porthos while he scolds Madame Coquenard. He is so upset with her that he refuses to forgive her. Poor lady, those steeds were all she could afford!

Reaction

     I’m so glad to see horse’Artagnan again. I missed the old beastie. The rest of the chapter is mostly plot advancements – getting Aramis’s money story out of the way, and doing a bit of catch-up on what was going on with the rest of the Musketeers while d’Artagnan was busy being a dingbat. Also, I just realized something. Aramis and the Duchesse of Chevreuse literally have the best romance in the novel. The love seems to be mutual, no one is overdramatic or pretentious, and the relationship is about love, not money. And her letter to him is actually a fairly unaffected and sweet message, with no gushing, hysterics, or drama.  I hope it continues! And now, we know that Dumas is capable of writing a relatively pleasant relationship. He should try it more often!

     My favorite part was d’Artagnan reuniting with horse’Artagnan: “D'Artagnan uttered a cry of surprise, which was not quite free from joy. ‘Ah, my yellow horse,’ cried he. ‘Aramis, look at that horse!’ ‘Oh, the frightful brute!’ said Aramis. ‘Ah, my dear,’ replied d'Artagnan.” *wipes tear*