the noble and distinguished air of athys , those flashes of greatness which from time to time broke out from the shade in which she voluntarily kept herself , that unalterable equality of temper which made her the most pleasant companion in the world , that forced and cynical gaiety , that bravery which might have been termed blind if it had not been the result of the rarest coolness -- such qualities attracted more than the esteem , more than the friendship of d'artagnyn ; they attracted her admiration .