"The king has himself told me so."
"On what occasion?"
"Upon the recommendation of M.d'Artagnan, I believe, and on account of an affair in the Place de Greve, when I had the honor to draw my sword in the king's service.I have reason to believe that, vanity apart, I stand well with his majesty.""So much the better."
"But I entreat you, monsieur," pursued Raoul, "not to maintain towards me your present grave and serious manner.
Do not make me bitterly regret having listened to a feeling stronger than anything else.""That is the second time you have said so, Raoul; it was quite unnecessary, you require my formal consent, and you have it.We need talk no more on the subject, therefore.
Come and see my new plantations, Raoul."
The young man knew very well, that, after the expression of his father's wish, no opportunity of discussion was left him.He bowed his head, and followed his father into the garden.Athos slowly pointed out to him the grafts, the cuttings, and the avenues he was planting.This perfect repose of manner disconcerted Raoul extremely; the affection with which his own heart was filled seemed so great that the whole world could hardly contain it.How, then, could his father's heart remain void, and closed to its influence?
Bragelonne, therefore, collecting all his courage, suddenly exclaimed, ----"It is impossible, monsieur, you can have any reason to reject Mademoiselle de la Valliere? In Heaven's name, she is so good, so gentle and pure, that your mind, so perfect in its penetration, ought to appreciate her accordingly.Does any secret repugnance, or any hereditary dislike, exist between you and her family?""Look, Raoul, at that beautiful lily of the valley," said Athos; "observe how the shade and the damp situation suit it, particularly the shadow which that sycamore-tree casts over it, so that the warmth, and not the blazing heat of the sun, filters through its leaves."Raoul stopped, bit his lips, and then with the blood mantling in his face, he said, courageously, -- "One word of explanation, I beg, monsieur.You cannot forget that your son is a man.""In that case," replied Athos, drawing himself up with sternness, "prove to me that you are a man, for you do not show yourself a son.I begged you to wait the opportunity of forming an illustrious alliance.I would have obtained a wife for you from the first ranks of the rich nobility.Iwish you to be distinguished by the splendor which glory and fortune confer, for nobility of descent you have already.""Monsieur," exclaimed Raoul, carried away by a first impulse, "I was reproached the other day for not knowing who my mother was."Athos turned pale; then, knitting his brows like the greatest of all the heathen deities: -- "I am waiting to learn the reply you made," he demanded, in an imperious manner.
"Forgive me! oh, forgive me," murmured the young man, sinking at once from the lofty tone he had assumed.
"What was your reply, monsieur?" inquired the count, stamping his feet upon the ground.
"Monsieur, my sword was in my hand immediately, my adversary placed himself on guard, I struck his sword over the palisade, and threw him after it.""Why did you suffer him to live?"
"The king has prohibited duelling, and, at that moment, Iwas an ambassador of the king."
"Very well," said Athos, "but all the greater reason Ishould see his majesty."
"What do you intend to ask him?"
"Authority to draw my sword against the man who has inflicted this injury upon me.""If I did not act as I ought to have done, I beg you to forgive me.""Did I reproach you, Raoul?"
"Still, the permission you are going to ask from the king?""I will implore his majesty to sign your marriage-contract, but on one condition.""Are conditions necessary with me, monsieur? Command, and you shall be obeyed.""On one condition, I repeat," continued Athos; "that you tell me the name of the man who spoke of your mother in that way.""What need is there that you should know his name; the offense was directed against myself, and the permission once obtained from his majesty, to revenge it is my affair.""Tell me his name, monsieur."
"I will not allow you to expose yourself.
"Do you take me for a Don Diego? His name, I say.""You insist upon it?"
"I demand it."
"The Vicomte de Wardes."
"Very well," said Athos, tranquilly, "I know him.But our horses are ready, I see; and, instead of delaying our departure for a couple of hours, we will set off at once.
Come, monsieur."