“And do you think that, were her tastes and views on the subject consulted, she would say likewise?”
“I hope she would, sir. But I have never asked her.”
“And her father—is he gracious when you meet him?”
“Most gracious, sir, and most kind; indeed, he distinguishes me above all the other young gentlemen who visit there.”
“You would not, then, despair of obtaining his consent.”
“By no means, my father, if you would be so kind as to ask it.”
“And you desire that I should do so?”
“You will make me the happiest man in all France, if you will!”
“Then go your way, sir, and make the best you can of it with the young lady. I will speak myself with the sieur d’Argenson to-night; and I do not despair any more than you do, Raoul. But look you, boy, you do not fancy, I hope, that you are going to church with your lady-love to-morrow or the next day! Two or three years hence, at the earliest, will be all in very good time. You must serve a campaign or two first, in order to show that you know how to use your sword.”
“In all things, my dear father, I shall endeavor to fulfil your wishes, knowing them to be as kindly as they are wise and prudent. I owe you gratitude for every hour since I was born, but for none so much as for this, for indeed you are going to make me the happiest of men.”