We are, I believe, related to the de
Verneuils."
The opposition the marquis was made to feel produced the usual effect
of such obstacles on all young men. Though he had, apparently, treated
Mademoiselle de Verneuil rather lightly, and left it to be supposed
that his passion for her was a mere caprice, he now, from a feeling of
pride, made immense strides in his relation to her. By openly
protecting her, his honor became concerned in compelling respect to
her person; and he went from group to group assuring his friends, in
the tone of a man whom it was dangerous to contradict, that the lady
was really Mademoiselle de Verneuil. The doubts and gossip ceased at
once. As soon as Montauran felt that harmony was restored and anxiety
allayed, he returned to his mistress eagerly, saying in a low voice:--
"Those mischievous people have robbed me of an hour's happiness."
"I am glad you have come back to me," she said, smiling. "I warn you
that I am inquisitive; therefore you must not get tired of my
questions. Tell me, in the first place, who is that worthy in a green
cloth jacket?"
"That is the famous Major Brigaut, a man from the Marais, a comrade of
the late Mercier, called La Vendee."
"And that fat priest with the red face to whom he is talking at this
moment about me?" she went on.
"Do you want to know what they are saying?"
"Do I want to know it? What a useless question!"
"But I could not tell it without offending you.
Pages:
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201