They proceeded silently to the centre of the Place, but as at this very moment the moon had just emerged from behind a cloud, they thought they might be observed if they remained on that spot and therefore the shade of the lime-trees.  
There were benches here and there; the four gentlemen stopped near them; at a sign from Athos, Porthos and D’Artagnan sat down, the two others stood in front of them.
 
After a few minutes of silent , Athos .
 
“Gentlemen,” he said, “our presence here is the best proof of former friendship; not one of us has failed the others at this ; not one has, therefore, to reproach himself.”
 
“Hear me, count,” replied D’Artagnan; “instead of making compliments to each other, let us explain our conduct to each other, like men of right and honest hearts.”
 
“I wish for nothing more; have you any cause of complaint against me or Monsieur d’Herblay? If so, speak out,” answered Athos.
 
“I have,” replied D’Artagnan. “When I saw you at your at Bragelonne, I made certain proposals to you which you understood; instead of answering me as a friend, you played with me as a child; the friendship, therefore, that you boast of was not broken yesterday by the shock of swords, but by your at your castle.”
 
“D’Artagnan!” said Athos, reproachfully.
 
“You asked for and you have it. You ask what I have against you; I tell you. And I have the same to show you, if you wish, Monsieur d’Herblay; I acted in a similar way to you and you also deceived me.”
 
“Really, monsieur, you say strange things,” said Aramis. “You came seeki............