Raoul colored. “From a lady,” said he, “from a lady of
Blois?”
“Yes, monsieur; from Mademoiselle de Montalais.”
“Thank you, monsieur; I recollect you now,” said Raoul. “And
what does Mademoiselle de Montalais require of me?”
Malicorne drew four letters from his pocket, which he
offered to Raoul.
“My own letters, is it possible?” he said, turning pale; “my
letters, and the seals unbroken?”
“Monsieur, your letters did not find at Blois the person to
whom they were addressed, and so they are now returned to
you.”
“Mademoiselle de la Valliere has left Blois, then?”
exclaimed Raoul.
“Eight days ago.”
“Where is she, then?”
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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
“In Paris.”
“How was it known that these letters were from me?”
“Mademoiselle de Montalais recognized your handwriting and
your seal,” said Malicorne.
Raoul colored and smiled. “Mademoiselle de Montalais is
exceedingly amiable,” he said; “she is always kind and
charming.”
“Always, monsieur.”
“Surely she could give me some precise information about
Mademoiselle de la Valliere. I never could find her in this
immense city.”
Malicorne drew another packet from his pocket.
“You may possibly find in this letter what you are anxious
to learn.”
Raoul hurriedly broke the seal. The writing was that of
Mademoiselle Aure, and inclosed were these words: — “Paris,
Palais-Royal. The day of the nuptial blessing.”
“What does this mean?” inquired Raoul of Malicorne; “you
probably know.”
“I do, monsieur.”
“For pity’s sake, tell me, then.”
“Impossible, monsieur.”
“Why so?”
“Because Mademoiselle Aure has forbidden me to do so.”
Raoul looked at his strange visitor, and remained silent; —
“At least, tell me whether it is fortunate or unfortunate.”
“That you will see.”
“You are very severe in your reservations.”
“Will you grant me a favor, monsieur?” said Malicorne.
“In exchange for that you refuse me?”
“Precisely.”
“What is it?”
“I have the greatest desire to see the ceremony, and I have
no ticket to admit me, in spite of all the steps I have
taken to secure one. Could you get me admitted ”
“Certainly.”
“Do me this kindness, then, I entreat.”
“Most willingly, monsieur; come with me.”
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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
“I am exceedingly indebted to you, monsieur,” said
Malicorne.
“I thought you were a friend of M. de Manicamp.”
“I am, monsieur; but this morning I was with him as he was
dressing, and I let a bottle of blacking fall over his new
dress, and he flew at me sword in hand, so that I was
obliged to make my escape. That is the reason I could not
ask him for a ticket. He wanted to kill me.”
“I can well believe it,” laughed Raoul. “I know Manicamp is
capable of killing a man who has been unfortunate enough to
commit the crime you have to reproach yourself with, but I
will repair the mischief as far as you are concerned. I will
but fasten my cloak, and shall then be ready to serve you,
not only as a guide, but as your introducer, too.”
CHAPTER 89
A Surprise for Madame de Montalais
Madame’s marriage was celebrated in the chapel of the
Palais-Royal, in the presence of a crowd of courtiers, who
had been most scrupulously selected. However,
notwithstanding the marked favor which an invitation
indicated, Raoul, faithful to his promise to Malicorne, who
was so anxious to witness the ceremony, obtained admission
for him. After he had fulfilled this engagement, Raoul
approached De Guiche, who, as if in contrast with his
magnificent costume, exhibited a countenance so utterly
dejected, that the Duke of Buckingham was the only one
present who could contend with him as far as pallor and
discomfiture were concerned.
“Take care, count,” said Raoul, approaching his friend, and
preparing to support him at the moment the archbishop
blessed the married couple. In fact, the Prince of Conde was
attentively scrutinizing these two images of desolation,
standing like caryatides on either side of the nave of the
church. The count, after that, kept a more careful watch
over himself.
At the termination of the ceremony, the king and queen
passed onward towards the grand reception-room, where Madame
and her suite were to be presented to them. It was remarked