“What would you do?” “Act reasonably.” “In what way?” “I should not pay the slightest attention to the society of these new Epicurean philosophers; and, in that way, the rumors will cease.” “Well, I will see; I will think it over.” “Oh, you have time enough; the danger is not great; and then, besides, it is not a question of danger or of passion. It all arose from a fear I had to see your friendship for me decrease. From the very moment you restore it, with so kind an assurance of its existence, I have no longer any other idea in my head.” The duke shook his head as if he meant to say: “If you have no more ideas, I have, though.” It being now the dinner hour, the prince sent to inform Madame of it; but she returned a message to the effect that she could not be present, but would dine in her own apartment. “That is not my fault,” said the duke. “This morning, having taken them by surprise in the midst of a musical party, I got jealous; and so they are in the sulks with me.” “We will dine alone,” said the chevalier, with a sigh; “I regret De Guiche is not here.” “Oh! De Guiche will not remain long in the sulks; he is a very good-natured fellow.” “Monseigneur,” said the chevalier, suddenly, “an excellent idea has struck me, in our conversation just now. I may have exasperated your highness, and caused you some dissatisfaction. It is but fitting that I should be the mediator. I will go and look for the count, and bring him back with me.” “Ah! chevalier, you are really a very good-natured fellow.” “You say that as if you were surprised.” “Well, you are not so tender-hearted every day.” “That may be; but confess that I know how to repair a wrong I may have done.” “I confess that.” “Will your highness do me the favor to wait here a few minutes?” “Willingly; be off, and I will try on my Fontainebleau costume.” The chevalier left the room, called his different attendant with the greatest care, as if he were giving them different orders. All went off in various directions; but he retained his _valet de chambre_. “Ascertain, and immediately, too, of M. de Guiche is not in Madame’s apartments. How can one learn it?” “Very easily, monsieur. I will ask Malicorne, who will find out from Mlle. de Montalais. I may as well tell you, however, that the inquiry will be useless; for all M. de Guiche’s attendants are gone, and he must have left with them.” “Ascertain, nevertheless.” Ten minutes had hardly passed, when the valet returned. He beckoned his master mysteriously towards the servants’ staircase, and showed him into a small room with a window looking out upon the garden. “What is the matter?” said the chevalier; “why so many precautions?” “Look, monsieur,” said the valet, “look yonder, under the walnut-tree.” “Ah?” said the chevalier. “I see Manicamp there. What is he waiting for?” “You will see in a moment, monsieur, if you wait patiently. There, do you see now?”