Valliere is in Paris as one of Madame’s maids of honor. I
have pondered deeply on the matter; I love Mademoiselle de
la Valliere above everything; and it is not proper to leave
her in a position where her reputation, her virtue even, may
be assailed. It is my wish, therefore, to marry her,
monsieur, and I have come to solicit your consent to my
marriage.”
While this communication was being made to him, Athos
maintained the profoundest silence and reserve. Raoul, who
had begun his address with an assumption of self-possession,
finished it by allowing a manifest emotion to escape him at
every word. Athos fixed upon Bragelonne a searching look,
overshadowed indeed by a slight sadness.
“You have reflected well upon it?” he inquired.
“Yes, monsieur.”
“I believe you are already acquainted with my views
respecting this alliance?”
“Yes, monsieur,” replied Raoul, in a low tone of voice, “but
you added, that if I persisted —- ”
“You do persist, then?”
Bragelonne stammered out an almost unintelligible assent.
“Your passion,” continued Athos, tranquilly, “must indeed be
very great, since, notwithstanding my dislike to this union,
you persist in wishing it.”
Page 537
Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
Raoul passed his trembling hand across his forehead to
remove the perspiration that collected there. Athos looked
at him, and his heart was touched by pity. He rose and said,
—-
“It is no matter. My own personal feelings are not to be
taken into consideration since yours are concerned; you need
my assistance; I am ready to give it. Tell me what you
want.”
“Your kind indulgence, first of all, monsieur,” said Raoul,
taking hold of his hand.
“You have mistaken my feelings, Raoul, I have more than mere
indulgence for you in my heart.”
Raoul kissed as devotedly as a lover could have done the
hand he held in his own.
“Come, come,” said Athos, “I am quite ready; what do you
wish me to sign?”
“Nothing whatever, monsieur. only it would be very kind if
you would take the trouble to write to the king to whom I
belong, and solicit his majesty’s permission for me to marry
Mademoiselle de la Valliere.”
“Well thought, Raoul! After, or rather before myself, you
have a master to consult, that master being the king; it is
loyal in you to submit yourself voluntarily to this double
proof; I will grant your request without delay, Raoul.”
The count approached the window, and leaning out, called to
Grimaud, who showed his head from an arbor covered with
jasmine, which he was occupied in trimming.
“My horses, Grimaud,” continued the count.
“Why this order, monsieur?” inquired Raoul.
“We shall set off in a few hours.”
“Whither?”
“For Paris.”
“Paris, monsieur?”
“Is not the king at Paris?”
“Certainly.”
“Well, ought we not to go there?”
“Yes, monsieur,” said Raoul, almost alarmed by this kind
condescension. “I do not ask you to put yourself to such
inconvenience, and a letter merely —- ”
“You mistake my position, Raoul; it is not respectful that a
simple gentleman, such as I am, should write to his
sovereign. I wish to speak, I ought to speak, to the king,
and I will do so. We will go together, Raoul.”
Page 538
Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
“You overpower me with your kindness, monsieur.”
“How do you think his majesty is affected?”
“Towards me, monsieur?”
“Yes.”
“Excellently well disposed.”
“You know that to be so?” continued the count.
“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.
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