" I find you pale ; I find you sad. The sentiment is
strong, then^'

"It is a passion," replied Eaoul.
" No ; a habit."
• " Monsieur, you know that I have travelled much, that
I have passed two years far from her. Any habit would



22 THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELONNE.
be broken up by an absence of two years, I believe ;
whereas on my return I loved, not more, — that was im-
possible, — but as much. Mademoiselle de la Valliere
is for me the mate above all others ; but you are for me
a god upon earth, — to you I sacrifice everything."

" You are wrong," said Athos ; " I have no longer any
right over you. Age has emancipated you ; you no lon-
ger even stand in need of my consent. Besides, I will
not refuse my consent after what you have told me.
Marry Mademoiselle de la Valliere, if you like."

Eaoul started ; but suddenly, " You are too good.
Monsieur," said he, "and your concession excites my
warmest gratitude ; but I will not accept it."

" Then you now refuse ■? "

"Yes, Monsieur."

" I will not oppose you in anything, Eaoul."

" But you have at the bottom of your heart an opinion
against this marriage ; you have not chosen it for me."

" That is true."

" That is sufficient to make me cease to persist ; I will
wait."

" Take care, Eaoul ! what you are now saying is serious."

" I know it is, Monsieur. As I said, I will wait."

" Until I die'? " said Athos, much agitated.
