"If you are attempting to dissuade me," says Aramis in a ruined voice, "You have chosen the wrong words." Still, he manages to get to his feet, albeit with a steadying hand thrown against the wall, and somehow turns his back on Porthos to go into the bedroom.

"Do you recall where I last left my suspenders?" he asks, looking over his bare shoulder at Porthos, who still looks fairly mutinous. "You aren't in pain, are you? You will tell me if I need to see to that foot of yours."