330 THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELONHE. "No— a habit." "Monsieur, you know I have traveled much, that I have passed two years far from her. A habit would yield to an absence of two years, I believe; whereas, on my return, I loved, not more, that was impossible, but as much. Made- moiselle 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 longer even stand in need of my consent. Besides, I will not re- fuse my consent after what you have told me. Marry Mademoiselle de la Valliere, if you like." Raoul was startled, but suddenly: "You are very kind, 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, Raoul." "But you have at the bottom of your heart an idea against this marriage; you have not chosen it." "That is true." "That is sufficient to make me not persist; I will wait." "Beware, Raoul! 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. "Oh! monsieur," cried Raoul, with tears in his eyes, "is it possible that you should wound my heart thus? I have never given you cause of complaint!" "Dear boy, that is true," murmured Athos, pressing his lips violently together to suppress the emotion of which he was no longer master. "No, I will no longer afflict you; only I do not comprehend what you mean by waiting. Will you wait till you love no longer?" "Ah! for that! — no, monsieur. I will wait till you change your opinion." "I should wish to put the matter to a test, Raoul; I should like to see if Mademoiselle de la Valliere will wait as you do." "I hope so, monsieur." "But, take care, Raoul. If she did not wait? Ah! you are so young, so confiding, so loyal! AVomen are change- able." "You have never spoken ill to me of women, monsieur;
