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 ?" Raoul 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 wanting it." Raoul passed his hand trembling 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.