God alone can give me the strength not to forget that I owe you everything, and that nothing ought to stand in my esteem before you." Athos embraced his son tenderly, and said: "You have just replied to me on the word of honor of an honest man; in two days we shall be with M.de Beaufort at Paris, and you will then do what will be proper for you to do.

You are free, Raoul; adieu." And he slowly gained his bedroom.

Raoul went down into the garden, and passed the night in the alley of limes..