"That is quite another thing, then; a thousand compliments,"exclaimed De Guiche, upon whose lips a courtier's jest was already fitting, but to whom the word "affianced," addressed by Malicorne with respect to Mademoiselle de Montalais, recalled the respect due to women.
"And for whom is the second appointment destined?" asked De Guiche, "is it for anyone to whom Manicamp may happen to be affianced? In that case I pity her, poor girl! for she will have a sad fellow for a husband.""No, monsieur le comte, the second appointment is for Mademoiselle de la Baume le Blanc de la Valliere.""Unknown," said De Guiche.
"Unknown? yes, monsieur," said Malicorne, smiling in his turn.
"Very good.I will speak to Monsieur about it.By the by, she is of gentle birth?""She belongs to a very good family and is maid of honor to Madame.""That's well.Will you accompany me to Monsieur?""Most certainly, if I may be permitted the honor.""Have you your carriage?"
"No; I came here on horseback."
"Dressed as you are?"
"No, monsieur; I posted from Orleans, and I changed my traveling suit for the one I have on, in order to present myself to you.""True, you already told me you had come from Orleans;"saying which he crumpled Manicamp's letter in his hand, and thrust it in his pocket.
"I beg your pardon," said Malicorne, timidly; "but I do not think you have read all.""Not read all, do you say?"
"No, there were two letters in the same envelope.""Oh! are you sure?"
"Quite sure."
"Let us look, then," said the count, as he opened the letter again.
"Ah! you are right," he said, opening the paper which he had not yet read.
"I suspected it," he continued -- "another application for an appointment under Monsieur.This Manicamp is a regular vampire: -- he is carrying on a trade in it.""No, monsieur le comte, he wishes to make a present of it.""To whom?"
"To myself, monsieur."
"Why did you not say so at once, my dear M.Mauvaisecorne?""Malicorne, monsieur le comte."
"Forgive me; it is the Latin that bothers me -- that terrible mine of etymologies.Why the deuce are young men of family taught Latin? Mala and mauvaise -- you understand it is the same thing.You will forgive me, I trust, M.de Malicorne.""Your kindness affects me much, monsieur: but it is a reason why I should make you acquainted with one circumstance without any delay.""What is it?"
"That I was not born a gentleman.I am not without courage, and not altogether deficient in ability; but my name is Malicorne simply.""You appear to me, monsieur!" exclaimed the count, looking at the astute face of his companion, "to be a most agreeable man.Your face pleases me, M.Malicorne, and you must possess some indisputably excellent qualities to have pleased that egotistical Manicamp.Be candid, and tell me whether you are not some saint descended upon the earth.""Why so?"
"For the ****** reason that he makes you a present of anything.Did you not say that he intended to make you a present of some appointment in the king's house"I beg your pardon, count; but, if I succeed in obtaining the appointment, you, and not he, will have bestowed it on me.""Besides, he will not have given it to you for nothing, Isuppose.Stay, I have it; -- there is a Malicorne at Orleans, who lends money to the prince.""I think that must be my father, monsieur.""Ah! the prince has the father, and that terrible dragon of a Manicamp has the son.Take care, monsieur, I know him.He will fleece you completely.""The only difference is, that I lend without interest," said Malicorne, smiling.
"I was correct in saying you were either a saint or very much resembled one.M.Malicorne, you shall have the post you want, or I will forfeit my name.""Ah! monsieur le comte, what a debt of gratitude shall I not owe you?" said Malicorne, transported.
"Let us go to the prince, my dear M.Malicorne." And De Guiche proceeded toward the door, desiring Malicorne to follow him.At the very moment they were about to cross the threshold, a young man appeared on the other side.He was from twenty-four to twenty-five years of age, of pale complexion, bright eyes and brown hair and eyebrows.
"Good-day," he said, suddenly, almost pushing De Guiche back into the courtyard again.
"Is that you, De Wardes? -- What! and booted, spurred, and whip in hand, too?""The most befitting costume for a man about to set off for Havre.There will be no one left in Paris tomorrow." And hereupon he saluted Malicorne with great ceremony, whose handsome dress gave him the appearance of a prince.
"M.Malicorne," said De Guiche to his friend.De Wardes bowed.