by Alexandre Dumas

“ Through the gate was seen kitchen-gardens, carefully attended to, a spacious courtyard, in which neighed several horses held by valets in various liveries, and a carriage, drawn by two horses of the country.
"We are mistaken," said D'Artagnan. "This cannot be the establishment of Athos. Good heavens! Suppose he is dead and that this property now belongs to some one who bears his name. Alight, Planchet, and inquire, for I confess that I have scarcely courage so to do." ”

“ D'Artagnan determined not to question this man; he did not wish to hear from another what he had himself said to Planchet.
"The chateau!" he said to himself, "What chateau? Ah, I understand! Athos is not a man to be thwarted; he, like Porthos, has obliged his peasantry to call him `my lord,' and to dignify his pettifogging place by the name of chateau. He had a heavy hand -- dear old Athos -- after drinking." ”

“ Soon, as the road turned, the Chateau de la Valliere appeared in view; then, a quarter of a mile beyond, a white house, encircled in sycamores, was visible at the farther end of a group of trees, which spring had powdered with a snow of flowers. ”