“Yes; but the promise of nomination, without the post itself, is like a purse with no money in it.” “Quite true,” Manicamp replied a second time. “Let us try for the post, then,” the candidate had persisted. “My dear fellow,” sighed Manicamp, “an appointment in his royal highness’s household is one of the gravest difficulties of our position.” “Oh! oh!” “There is no question that, at the present moment, we cannot ask Monsieur for anything.” “Why so?” “Because we are not on good terms with him.” “A great absurdity, too,” said Malicorne, promptly. “Bah! and if we were to show Madame any attention,” said Manicamp, “frankly speaking, do you think we should please Monsieur?” “Precisely; if we show Madame any attention, and do it adroitly, Monsieur ought to adore us.” “Hum!” “Either that or we are great fools. Make haste, therefore, M. Manicamp, you who are so able a politician, and make M. de Guiche and his royal highness friendly again.” “Tell me, what did M. de Saint-Aignan tell you, Malicorne?” “Tell me? nothing; he asked me several questions, and that was all.” “Well, was he less discreet, then, with me.” “What did he tell you?” “That the king is passionately in love with Mademoiselle de la Vallière.” “We knew that already,” replied Malicorne, ironically; “and everybody talks about it loud enough for all to know it; but in the meantime, do what I advise you; speak to M. de Guiche, and endeavor to get him to make advances to Monsieur. Deuce take it! he owes his royal highness that, at least.” “But we must see De Guiche, then?” “There does not seem to be any great difficulty in that; try to see him in the same way I tried to see you; wait for him; you know that he is naturally very fond of walking.” “Yes; but whereabouts does he walk?” “What a question to ask! Do you not know that he is in love with Madame?” “So it is said.” “Very well; you will find him walking about on the side of the chateau where her apartments are.” “Stay, my dear Malicorne, you were not mistaken, for here he is coming.” “Why should I be mistaken? Have you ever noticed that I am in the habit of making a mistake? Come, we only need to understand each other. Are you in want of money?” “Ah!” exclaimed Manicamp, mournfully. “Well, I want my appointment. Let Malicorne have the appointment, and Manicamp shall have the money. There is no greater difficulty in the way than that.” “Very well; in that case make yourself easy. I will do my best.” “Do.” De Guiche approached, Malicorne stepped aside, and Manicamp caught hold of De Guiche, who was thoughtful and melancholy. “Tell me, my dear comte, what rhyme you were trying to find,” said Manicamp. “I have an excellent one to match yours, particularly if yours ends in _ame_.” De Guiche shook his head, and recognizing a friend, he took him by the arm. “My dear Manicamp,” he said, “I am in search of something very different from a rhyme.” “What is it you are looking for?”