“Nothing can be more simple,” said the chevalier, with an expression of great frankness; “for instance, whenever a husband remarks that his wife summons such and such a man near her; whenever this man is always to be found by her side, or in attendance at the door of her carriage; whenever the bouquet of the one is always the same color as the ribbons of the other; when music and supper parties are held in private apartments; whenever a dead silence takes place immediately the husband makes his appearance in his wife’s rooms; and when the husband suddenly finds that he has, as a companion, the most devoted and the kindest of men, who, a week before, was with him as little as possible; why, then--” “Well, finish.” “Why, then, I say, monseigneur, one possibly may get jealous. But all these details hardly apply; for our conversation had nothing to do with them.” The duke was evidently very much agitated, and seemed to struggle with himself a good deal. “You have not told me,” he then remarked, “why you absented yourself. A little while ago you said it was from a fear of intruding; you added, even, that you had observed a disposition on Madame’s part to encourage De Guiche.” “Pardon me, monseigneur, I did not say that.” “You did, indeed.” “Well, if I did say so, I observed nothing but what was very inoffensive.” “At all events, you remarked something.” “You embarrass me, monseigneur.” “What does that matter? Answer me. If you speak the truth, why should you feel embarrassed?” “I always speak the truth, monseigneur; but I also always hesitate when it is a question of repeating what others say.” “Ah! repeat? It appears that it is talked about, then?” “I acknowledge that others have spoken to me on the subject.” “Who?” said the prince. The chevalier assumed almost an angry air, as he replied, “Monseigneur, you are subjecting me to cross-examination; you treat me as a criminal at the bar; the rumors which idly pass by a gentleman’s ears do not remain there. Your highness wishes me to magnify rumors until it attains the importance of an event.” “However,” said the duke, in great displeasure, “the fact remains that you withdrew on account of this report.” “To speak the truth, others have talked to me of the attentions of M. de Guiche to Madame, nothing more; perfectly harmless, I repeat, and more than that, allowable. But do not be unjust, monseigneur, and do not attach any undue importance to it. It does not concern you.” “M. de Guiche’s attentions to Madame do not concern me?”