“And I, too, as much as yourself, comte, wish to secure M. de Bragelonne’s happiness.”
“I only await your majesty’s signature. Raoul will have the honor of presenting himself before your majesty to receive your consent.”
“You are mistaken, comte,” said the king, firmly; “I have just said that I desire to secure M. de Bragelonne’s happiness, and from the present moment, therefore, I oppose his marriage.”
“But, sire,” exclaimed Athos, “your majesty has promised!”
“Not so, comte, I did not promise you, for it is opposed to my own views.”
“I appreciate your majesty’s considerate and generous intentions in my behalf; but I take the liberty of recalling to you that I undertook to approach you as an ambassador.”
“An ambassador, comte, frequently asks, but does not always obtain what he asks.”
“But, sire, it will be such a blow for De Bragelonne.”
“My hand shall deal the blow; I will speak to the vicomte.”
“Love, sir, is overwhelming in its might.”