He was so noble and so handsome in his bearing, his eyes revealed so much gentleness, candor, and resolution, that the idea could not possibly enter her mind that he was either rudely discourteous, or a mere simpleton.

She only perceived, clearly enough, that he loved another woman, and not herself, with the whole strength of his heart.

"Ah! I now understand you," she said; "you have left your heart behind you in France." Raoul bowed.

"The duke is aware of your affection ?" "No one knows it," replied Raoul.
"Why, therefore, do you tell me?
Nay, answer me." "I cannot." "It is for me, then, to anticipate an explanation; you do not wish to tell me anything, because you are now convinced that I do not love the duke; because you see that I possibly might have loved you; because you are a gentleman of noble and delicate sentiments; and because, instead of accepting, even were it for the mere amusement of the passing hour, a hand which is almost pressed upon you; and because, instead of meeting my smiles with a smiling lip, you, who are young, have preferred to tell me, whom men have called beautiful, 'My heart is over the sea--it is in France.' For this, I thank you, Monsieur de Bragelonne; you are, indeed, a noble-hearted, noble-minded man, and I regard you all the more for it, as a friend only.

And now let us cease speaking of myself, and talk of your own affairs.