stance, by answering for
him. "It is natural, monsieur, that our good Grimaud should tell me the
truth in what concerns you. By whom should you be loved an supported, if
not by me?"

Athos did not reply. He made a friendly motion to Grimaud, which sent
him out of the room; he then seated himself in a _fauteuil_, whilst
Raoul remained standing before him.

"But it is true," continued Raoul, "that your voyage was an expedition,
and that steel and fire threatened you?"

"Say no more about that, vicomte," said Athos, mildly. "I set out
hastily, it is true: but the service of King Charles II. required a
prompt departure. As to your anxiety, I thank you for it, and I know
that I can depend on you. You have not wanted for anything, vicomte, in
my absence, have you?"

"No, monsieur, thank you."

"I left orders with Blaisois to pay you a hundred pistoles, if you
should stand in need of money."

"Monsieur, I have not seen Blaisois."

"You have been without money, then?"

"Monsieur, I had thirty pistoles left from the sale of the horses I took
in my last campaign, and M. le Prince had the kindness to allow me to
win two hundred pistoles at his play-table three months ago."

"Do you play? I don't like that, Raoul."

"I never play, monsieur; it was M. le Prince who ordered me to hold his
cards at Chantilly--one night when a courier came to him from the king.
I won, and M. le Prince commanded me to take the stakes."

"Is that a practice in the household, Raoul?" asked Athos with a frown.

"Yes, monsieur; every week M. le Prince affords, upon one occasion or
another, a similar advantage to one of his gentlemen. There are fifty
gentlemen in his highness's household; it was my turn."

"Very well! You went into Spain, then?"

"Yes, monsieur, I made a very delightful and interesting journey."

"You have been back a month, have you not?"

"Yes, monsieur."

"And in the course of that month?"

"In that month--"

"What have you done?"

"My duty, monsieur."

"Have you not been home, to La Fere?"

Raoul colored. Athos looked at him with a fixed but tranquil expression.

"You would be wrong not to believe me," said Raoul. "I feel that I
colored, and in spite of myself. The question you did me the honor
to ask me is of a nature to raise in me much emotion. I color, then,
because I am agitated, not because I meditate a falsehood."

"I know, Raoul, you never lie."

"No, monsieur."

"Besides, my young friend, you w