"How so, my dear love?" "Because you used to be more anxious for a _tête-à-tête_ than now. Let us sup together, and to-morrow it will be time enough to send for Canolles. Between now and to-morrow," said Nanon to herself, "I shall have time to warn him." "So be it," said the duke; "let us sup." Haunted by a vestige of suspicion, he added, under his breath,-- "Between now and to-morrow I will not leave her side, and if she succeeds in inventing any method of warning him, she's a sorceress." "And so," said Nanon, laying her hand upon the duke's shoulder, "I may venture to solicit my friend in my brother's interest?" "Most assuredly!" rejoined d'Épernon; "as much as you choose. Is it money?" "Money, indeed!" said Nanon. "He's in no need of money; indeed it was he who gave me the magnificent ring you have noticed, which was his mother's." "Promotion, then?" said the duke. "Ah! yes, promotion. We'll make him a colonel, won't we?" "_Peste!_/ how fast you go, my love! Colonel! To obtain that rank, he must have rendered his Majesty's cause some service." "He is ready to render that cause whatever service may be pointed out to him." "Indeed!" said the duke, looking at Nanon out of the corner of his eye, "I shall have occasion to send some one on a confidential mission to the court." "To the court!" exclaimed Nanon. "Yes," replied the old courtier; "but that would separate you." Nanon saw that she must take some means to destroy this remnant of suspicion. "Oh! don't be alarmed about that, my dear duke. What matters the separation, so long as there is profit in it? If he's near at hand, I can be of but little use to him--you are jealous; but, at a distance, you will extend your powerful patronage to him. Exile him, ex-patriate him if it's for his good, and don't be concerned about me. So long as I retain my dear duke's affection, have I not more than enough to make me happy?" "Very well, it's agreed," said the duke; "to-morrow morning I will send for him, and give him his instructions. And now, as you suggest," he continued, casting a much more amiable glance upon the two chairs, the two covers, and the two pillows; "and now, my love, let us sup." They took their places at the table, smiling amicably at each other; so that Francinette herself, although, in her capacity of confidential maid, she was well used to the duke's peculiarities and her mistress's character, believed that her mistress was perfectly tranquil in her mind, and the duke completely reassured. VII. The gentleman whom Canolles greeted by the name of Richon, went up to the first floor of the Golden Calf, and was taking supper there with the viscount. He was the person whose coming the viscount was impatiently awaiting when chance made him a witness of Monsieur d'Épernon's hostile preparations, and made it possible for him to render Baron de Canolles the important service we have described.