Part 14 (1/2)
”Yes, here is my hand, Louise; will you place yours within it?”
”But your father?”
”My father leaves me perfectly free”
”Yet-”
”I understand your scruples, Louise; I will consult my father”
”Reflect, M Raoul; wait”
”Wait! it is impossible Reflect, Louise, when you are concerned! it would be insulting,-give me your hand, dear Louise; I aivethus One word in answer, one word only; if not, I shall begin to think that, in order to change you forever, nothing le breath of favor, a s”
Raoul had no sooner pronounced this latter word, than La Valliere beca ht, she placed both her hands in those of Raoul, and then fled, without adding a syllable; disappearing without casting a look behind her Raoul felt his whole frame tremble at the contact of her hand; he received the co by affection from her child-like timidity
Chapter XV The Consent of Athos
Raoul quitted the Palais Royal full of ideas that admitted no delay in execution He mounted his horse in the courtyard, and followed the road to Blois, while the land were being celebrated with exceeding animation by the courtiers, but to the despair of De Guiche and Buckingham Raoul lost no time on the road, and in sixteen hours he arrived at Blois As he traveled along, heument that cannot be answered, and Raoul had an attack Athos was in his study,additions to his hted and penetrating, aextraordinary had befallen him
”You seem to come on a matter of importance,” said he to Raoul, after he had e to a seat
”Yes, ive me the same kind attention that has never yet failed me”
”Speak, Raoul”
”I present the case to you, monsieur, free from all preface, for that would be unworthy of you Mademoiselle de la Valliere is in Paris as one of Madame's maids of honor I have pondered deeply on the ; 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 coe”
While this co made to him, Athos maintained the profoundest silence and reserve Raoul, who had begun his address with an assu a manifest eelonne 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 withthis alliance?”
”Yes, monsieur,” replied Raoul, in a low tone of voice; ”but you added, that if I persisted-”
”You do persist, then?”
Raoul staible assent
”Your passion,” continued Athos, tranquilly, ”it”
Raoul passed his hand tre 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 s are not to be taken into consideration since yours are concerned; I aive it Tell ence, first of all,hold of his hand
”You have ence for you in my heart”
Raoul kissed as devotedly as a lover could have done the hand he held in his own
”Come, con?”
”Nothing whatever, monsieur, only it would be very kind if you would take the trouble to write to the king, to who, and solicit his majesty's permission for ht, Raoul! After, or rather beforethe king; it is loyal in you to subrant your request without delay, Raoul”
The count approached the , and leaning out, called to Grimaud, who showed his head from an arbor covered with jas
”My horses, Grimaud,” continued the count
”Why this order, monsieur?” inquired Raoul
”We shall set off in a few hours”
”Whither?”
”For Paris”
”Paris,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 entlen I wish to speak, I ought to speak, to the king, and I will do so We will go together, Raoul”
”You overpower me with your kindness, monsieur”