The voice of Raoul trembled as he pronounced these words. Athos, a sovereign judge in all matters of delicacy, immediately added:
"Raoul, you answer with a painful feeling; you are unhappy."
"Very, monsieur; you have forbidden me to go to Blois or to see Mademoiselle de la Valliere again."
Here the young man stopped. That dear name, so delightful to pronounce, made his heart bleed, although so sweet upon his lips.
"And I have acted correctly, Raoul," Athos hastened to reply. "I am neither an unjust nor a barbarous father; I respect true love; but I look forward for you for a future — an immense future. A new reign is about to break upon us like a fresh dawn. War calls upon a young king full of chivalric spirit. What is wanting to assist this heroic ardor is a battalion of young and free lieutenants who would rush to the fight with enthusiasm, and fall, crying: 'Vive U Roi,' instead of 'Adieu, my dear wife!' You understand that, Raoul. However brutal my reasoning may appear to be, I conjure you, then, to believe me, and to turn away your thoughts from those early days of youth in which you took up this habit of love — days of effeminate carelessness, which soften the heart and render it incapable of contain- ing those strong, bitter draughts called glory and adversity. Therefore, Raoul, I repeat to you, you should see in my counsel only the desire of being useful to you, only the ambition of seeing you prosper. I believe you capable of becoming a remarkable man. March alone, and you will march better, and more quickly."
"You have commanded, monsieur," replied Raoul, "and I obey."
"Commanded!" cried Athos. "Is it thus you reply to me? I have commanded you! Oh! you distort my words as you misconceive my intentions. I did not command you; I requested you."
"No, monsieur, you have commanded," said Raoul persistently; "had you only requested me, your request is still more effective than your order. I have not seen Mademoiselle de la Valliere again."
"But you are unhappy; you are unhappy!" insisted Athos.
Raoul made no reply.
"I find you pale; I find you dull. The sentiment is strong, then?"
'"It is a passion," replied Raoul.
