Athos, with his arm passed through that of the son he was about to lose, absorbed in melancholy meditation, was deaf to every noise around him.

An officer came quickly towards them to inform Raoul that M.de Beaufort was anxious to have him by his side.
"Have the kindness to tell the prince," said Raoul, "that I request he will allow me this hour to enjoy the company of my father." "No, no," said Athos, "an aide-de-camp ought not thus to quit his general.

Please to tell the prince, monsieur, that the vicomte will join him immediately." The officer set off at a gallop.
"Whether we part here or part there," added the comte, "it is no less a separation." He carefully brushed the dust from his son's coat, and passed his hand over his hair as they walked along.

"But, Raoul," said he, "you want money.

M.de Beaufort's train will be splendid, and I am certain it will be agreeable to you to purchase horses and arms, which are very dear things in Africa.