I am sure I was able to but
very feebly express all the affection and gratitude I feel toward you.
You will forgive me, sir, for your heart is of such a generous nature
that you can well understand all that has passed in mine. I entreat
you to write to me, for you form a part of my existence, and, if I may
venture to tell you so, I also feel anxious. It seemed to me as if you
were yourself preparing for some dangerous undertaking, about which
I did not dare to question you, since you told me nothing. I have,
therefore, as you see, great need of hearing from you. Now that you are
no longer beside me I am afraid every moment of erring. You sustained
me powerfully, sir, and I protest to you that to-day I feel very lonely.
Will you have the goodness, sir, should you receive news from Blois, to
send me a few lines about my little friend Mademoiselle de la Valliere,
about whose health, when we left, so much anxiety was felt? You can
understand, honored and dear guardian, how precious and indispensable to
me is the remembrance of the years that I have passed with you. I hope
that you will sometimes, too, think of me, and if at certain hours you
should miss me, if you should feel any slight regret at my absence,
I shall be overwhelmed with joy at the thought that you appreciate my
affection for and my devotion to yourself, and that I have been able to
prove them to you whilst I had the happiness of living with you."

After finishing this letter Raoul felt more composed; he looked well
around him to see if Olivain and the host might not be watching him,
whilst he impressed a kiss upon the paper, a mute and touching caress,
which the heart of Athos might well divine on opening the letter.

During this time Olivain had finished his bottle and eaten his pie;
the horses were also refreshed. Raoul motioned to the host to approach,
threw a crown upon the table, mounted his horse, and posted his letter
at Senlis. The rest that had been thus afforded to men and horses
enabled them to continue their journey at a good round pace. At
Verberie, Raoul desired Olivain to make some inquiry about the young man
who was preceding them; he had been observed to pass only three-quarters
of an hour previously, but he was well mounted, as the tavern-keeper had
already said, and rode at a rapid pace.

"Let us try and overtake this gentleman," said Raoul to Olivain; "like
ourselves he is on his way to join the army and may prove agreeable
company