"Fortunately, Mlle. de Beaumesnil, judging from what Madame de la Rochaigue says,--she talked with the girl awhile last evening, and the mind of a child of sixteen is not difficult to read,--fortunately, Ernestine de Beaumesnil seems to be very fond of luxury, splendour, and display, so we think it advisable that you should first appear before her in the character of one of the most elegant young men in Paris." "If you are clever enough to find such an opportunity, I consent, I am sure." "It is to-morrow afternoon, is it not, that you are to take part in that race in the Bois de Boulogne?" "Yes, I promised that ninny, De Courville, who has a number of fine horses he is afraid to mount himself, that I would ride his horse, 'Young Emperor,' in the hurdle race." "Capital! Madame de la Rochaigue shall take Mlle. de Beaumesnil to the race. They will call for me, and as soon as we reach the Bois it will seem the most natural thing in the world that you should come up and talk with us before the racing begins. Your jockey costume of orange satin with black velvet trimmings is extremely becoming to you." "One word, if you please, my dear mother." "Let me finish, please. Mlle. de Beaumesnil will see you among a crowd of fashionable young men, in which you shine preeminent, every one must admit. And, then, I don't doubt that you will win the race. It is absolutely necessary that you should win it, Gerald." "It is the general opinion, mother, that the 'Young Emperor' and I will come out ahead, but--" "You certainly ride superbly," said the duchess, again interrupting her son; "and when Ernestine sees you excelling your competitors in the midst of frantic applause, there can be very little doubt that, upon one with the tastes and character she seems to have, the impression produced will be excellent; and if, after this first meeting, you make yourself as agreeable as you can be when you choose, that impudent Macreuse will appear odious in her eyes even if he should have the audacity to enter the lists." "May I be allowed to say a word now, my dear mother?" "Certainly." "I see no objection to being introduced by you to Mlle. de Beaumesnil at a race in the Bois de Boulogne; but do you really think it advisable that the presentation should take place on a day that I am arrayed in the garb of a jockey?" "But why not? I am sure the costume is extremely becoming to you." "It seems to me to savour too much of an actor." "Really, Gerald, you have the most peculiar ideas."