"I am never happy when I have a duty left to accomplish, and
it is an imperative duty which the king your father left me
to watch over your fortunes, and make a royal use of his
money. So, if your majesty honors me with a sign, I will go
with you."

"Ah, monsieur!" said the king, forgetting all royal
etiquette, and throwing his arms around the neck of Athos,
"you prove to me that there is a God in heaven, and that
this God sometimes sends messengers to the unfortunate who
groan on the earth."

Athos, exceedingly moved by this burst of feeling of the
young man, thanked him with profound respect, and approached
the window. "Grimaud!" cried he, "bring out my horses."

"What, now -- immediately!" said the king. "Ah, monsieur,
you are indeed a wonderful man!"

"Sire," said Athos, "I know nothing more pressing than your
majesty's service. Besides," added he, smiling, "it is a
habit contracted long since, in the service of the queen
your aunt, and of the king your father. How is it possible
for me to lose it at the moment your majesty's service calls
for it?"

"What a man!" murmured the king.

Then after a moment's reflection, -- "But no, count, I