Nevertheless, as it is the historian's duty to set down everything, good and bad alike, it is proper to state that they confined themselves to this salutation and this smile, and that Comte d'Orbec, escorted by the provost, and without exchanging a word with Marmagne, left the house immediately by the same door by which his enemy entered. Let us hasten to add, that, notwithstanding the hatred which kept them asunder, these two men were ready, in case of need, to unite temporarily to destroy a third. Comte d'Orbec having taken his leave, the provost found himself _tête-à-tête_ with the Vicomte de Marmagne. He walked toward him with a joyous countenance, in striking contrast to the melancholy visage with which the other awaited him. "Well, my dear provost," said Marmagne, to open the conversation, "you seem in extremely good spirits." "While you, my dear Marmagne," rejoined the provost, "seem sadly depressed." "Simply because, as you know, my poor D'Estourville, my friends' misfortunes afflict me as keenly as my own." "Yes, yes, I know your heart," said the provost. "And when I saw you in such a joyous mood, with your future son-in-law, Comte d'Orbec,--for your daughter's betrothal to him is no longer a secret, and I congratulate you upon it, my dear D'Estourville--" "You know that I told you long ago that Colombe's hand was promised, my dear Marmagne." "Yes, but, 'pon honor, I cannot understand how you can consent to part from such a fascinating child." "Oh! I do not propose to part from her," replied Messire Robert. "My son-in-law, Comte d'Orbec, will bring his whole establishment across the Seine, and will take up his abode at the Grand-Nesle, while I shall spend my unoccupied moments at the Petit." "My poor friend!" exclaimed Marmagne, shaking his head with an air of profound sadness, and placing one hand upon the provost's arm while with the other he wiped away a tear which did not exist. "Why 'poor friend'?" demanded Messire Robert. "Come! what have you to tell me now?" "Am I the first, pray, to tell you the unpleasant news?" "What is it? Speak out!" "You know, my dear provost, that we must take things philosophically in this world, and there is an old proverb which we poor weak mortals should keep constantly in mind, for it sums up the accumulated wisdom of all nations." "What is the proverb? Say what you have to say." "Man proposes, my dear friend, man proposes, and God disposes." "In God's name, what have I proposed for him to dispose of? Say on, I beg you, and let us have done with it." "You have intended the Grand-Nesle for the residence of your daughter and son-in-law?" "Most assuredly; and I trust that they will be installed there within three months."