"I was reproached the other day for not knowing who my mother was." Athos turned pale; then, knitting his brows like the greatest of all the heathen deities:--"I am waiting to learn the reply you made," he demanded, in an imperious manner.
"Forgive me! oh, forgive me," murmured the young man, sinking at once from the lofty tone he had assumed.
"What was your reply, monsieur ?" inquired the count, stamping his feet upon the ground.
"Monsieur, my sword was in my hand immediately, my adversary placed himself on guard, I struck his sword over the palisade, and threw him after it." "Why did you suffer him to live ?" "The king has prohibited duelling, and, at the moment, I was an ambassador of the king." "Very well," said Athos, "but all the greater reason I should see his majesty." "What do you intend to ask him ?" "Authority to draw my sword against the man who has inflicted this injury upon me." "If I did not act as I ought to have done, I beg you to forgive me." "Did I reproach you, Raoul ?" "Still, the permission you are going to ask from the king ?" "I will implore his majesty to sign your marriage-contract, but on one condition." "Are conditions necessary with me, monsieur?
Command, and you shall be obeyed." "On the condition, I repeat," continued Athos; "that you tell me the name of the man who spoke of your mother in that way." "What need is there that you should know his name; the offense was directed against myself, and the permission once obtained from his majesty, to revenge it is my affair." "Tell me his name, monsieur." "I will not allow you to expose yourself." "Do you take me for a Don Diego?
His name, I say." "You insist upon it ?" "I demand it." "The Vicomte de Wardes." "Very well," said Athos, tranquilly, "I know him.

But our horses are ready, I see; and, instead of delaying our departure for a couple of hours, we will set off at once.

Come, monsieur.".