Raoul is suffering; he is in great
distress of mind: his disposition, naturally light and cheerful, has
become gloomy and melancholy. I do not wish to deprive your majesty of
the services he may be able to render."

"I understand you," said the king; "and what is more, I understand your
heart, too, comte."

"There is no occasion, therefore," replied the comte, "to tell your
majesty that my object is to make these children, or rather Raoul,
happy."

"And I, too, as much as yourself, comte, wish to secure M. de
Bragelonne's happiness."

"I only await your majesty's signature. Raoul will have the honor of
presenting himself before your majesty to receive your consent."

"You are mistaken, comte," said the king, firmly; "I have just said that
I desire to secure M. de Bragelonne's happiness, and from the present
moment, therefore, I oppose his marriage."

"But, sire," exclaimed Athos, "your majesty has promised!"

"Not so, comte, I did not promise you, for it is opposed to my own
views."

"I appreciate your majesty's considerate and generous intentions in my
behalf; but I take the liberty of recalling to you that I undertook to
approach you as an ambassador."

"An ambassador, comte, frequently asks, but does not always obtain what
he asks."

"But, sire, it will be such a blow for De Bragelonne."

"My hand shall deal the blow; I will speak to the vicomte."

"Love, sir, is overwhelming in its might."

"Love can be resisted, comte. I myself can assure you of that."

"When one has the soul of a king,--your own, for instance, sire."

"Do not make yourself uneasy on the subject. I have certain views for
De Bragelonne. I do not say that he shall not marry Mademoiselle de la
Valliere, but I do not wish him to marry so young; I do not wish him to
marry her until she has acquired a fortune; and he, on his side, no less
deserves favor, such as I wish to confer upon him. In a word, comte, I
wish them to wait."

"Yet once more, sire."

"Comte, you told me you came to request a favor."

"Assuredly, sire."

"Grant me one, then, instead; let us speak no longer upon this matter.
It is probable that, before long, war may be declared. I require men
about me who are unfettered. I should hesitate to send under fire a
married man, or a father of a family. I should hesitate also, on De
Bragelonne's account, to endow with a fortune, without some sound reason
for it, a young girl, a perfect stranger; such an act would sow j