his severe remarks and moral reflections, and to undo what
we had so much trouble in effecting? Certainly not.”
“Am I so very severe, then?” said Raoul, inquiringly.
“Besides,” said Montalais, “it is sufficient to say that it
suited me. I was about setting off for Paris — you were
away; Louise was weeping her eyes out; interpret that as you
please; I begged a friend, a protector of mine, who had
obtained the appointment for me, to solicit one for Louise;
the appointment arrived. Louise left in order to get her
costume prepared; as I had my own ready, I remained behind;
I received your letters, and returned them to you, adding a
few words, promising you a surprise. Your surprise is before
you, monsieur, and seems to be a fair one enough; you have
nothing more to ask. Come, M. Malicorne, it is now time to
leave these young people together: they have many things to
talk about; give me your hand; I trust that you appreciate
the honor conferred upon you, M. Malicorne.”
“Forgive me,” said Raoul, arresting the giddy girl, and
giving to his voice an intonation, the gravity of which
contrasted with that of Montalais; “forgive me, but may I
inquire the name of the protector you speak of; for if
protection be extended towards you, Mademoiselle Montalais,
— for which, indeed, so many reasons exist,” added Raoul,
bowing, “I do not see that the same reasons exist why
Mademoiselle de la Valliere should be similarly cared for.”
“But, M. Raoul,” said Louise, innocently, “there is no
difference in the matter, and I do not see why I should not
tell it you myself; it was M. Malicorne who obtained it for
me.”
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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
Raoul remained for a moment almost stupefied, asking himself
if they were trifling with him; he then turned round to
interrogate Malicorne, but he had been hurried away by
Montalais, and was already at some distance from them.
Mademoiselle de la Valliere attempted to follow her friend,
but Raoul, with gentle authority, detained her.
“Louise, one word, I beg.”
“But, M. Raoul,” said Louise, blushing, “we are alone. Every
one has left. They will become anxious, and will be looking
for us.”
“Fear nothing,” said the young man, smiling, “we are neither
of us of sufficient importance for our absence to be
remarked.”
“But I have my duty to perform, M. Raoul.”
“Do not be alarmed, I am acquainted with these usages of the
court; you will not be on duty until to-morrow; a few
minutes are at your disposal, which will enable you to give
me the information I am about to have the honor to ask you
for.”
“How serious you are, M. Raoul!” said Louise.
“Because the circumstances are serious. Are you listening?”
“I am listening; I would only repeat, monsieur, that we are
quite alone.”
“You are right,” said Raoul, and, offering her his hand, he
led the young girl into the gallery adjoining the
reception-room, the windows of which looked out upon the
courtyard. Every one hurried towards the middle window,
which had a balcony outside, from which all the details of
the slow and formal preparations for departure could be
seen. Raoul opened one of the side windows, and then, being
alone with Louise, said to her: “You know, Louise, that from
my childhood I have regarded you as my sister, as one who
has been the confidante of all my troubles, to whom I have
entrusted all my hopes.”
“Yes, M. Raoul,” she answered softly; “yes, M. Raoul, I know
that.”
“You used, on your side, to show the same friendship towards
me, and had the same confidence in me; why have you not, on
this occasion, been my friend — why have you shown
suspicion of me?”
Mademoiselle de la Valliere did not answer. “I fondly
thought you loved me,” said Raoul, whose voice became more
and more agitated; “I fondly thought you consented to all
the plans we had, together, laid down for our own happiness,
at the time when we wandered up and down the walks of
Cour-Cheverny, under the avenue of poplar trees leading to