Ten Years Later by Dumas, Alexandre. Part two

towards the young man: —

“Occupy Madame de Saint-Remy, either in disputing with her,

or making it up with her; I must speak to Louise.” And, at

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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later

the same time, a soft pressure of the hand recompensed

Malicorne for his future obedience. Malicorne went grumbling

towards Madame de Saint-Remy, whilst Montalais said to her

friend, throwing one arm around her neck: —

“What is the matter? Tell me. Is it true that you would not

love me if I were to shine, as your mother says?”

“Oh, no!” said the young girl, with difficulty restraining

her tears; “on the contrary, I rejoice at your good

fortune.”

“Rejoice! why, one would say you are ready to cry!”

“Do people never weep except from envy?”

“Oh! yes, I understand; I am going to Paris, and that word

Paris recalls to your mind a certain cavalier —- ”

“Aure!”

“A certain cavalier who formerly lived near Blois, and who

now resides at Paris.”

“In truth, I know not what ails me, but I feel stifled.”

“Weep, then, weep, as you cannot give me a smile!”

Louise raised her sweet face, which the tears, rolling down

one after the other, illumined like diamonds.

“Come, confess,” said Montalais.

“What shall I confess?”

“What makes you weep; people don’t weep without cause. I am

your friend; whatever you would wish me to do, I will do.

Malicorne is more powerful than you would think. Do you wish

to go to Paris?”

“Alas!” sighed Louise.

“Do you wish to come to Paris?”

“To remain here alone, in this old castle, I who have

enjoyed the delightful habit of listening to your songs, of

pressing your hand, of running about the park with you. Oh!

how I shall be ennuyee! how quickly I shall die!”

“Do you wish to come to Paris?”

Louise breathed another sigh.

“You do not answer me.”

“What would you that I should reply?”

“Yes or no; that is not very difficult I think.”

“Oh! you are very fortunate, Montalais!”

“That is to say you would like to be in my place.”

Louise was silent.

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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later

“Little obstinate thing!” said Montalais; “did ever any one

keep her secrets from her friend thus? But confess that you

would like to come to Paris, confess that you are dying with

the wish to see Raoul again?”

“I cannot confess that.”

“Then you are wrong.”

“In what way?”

“Because —- do you see this brevet?”

“To be sure I do.”

“Well, I would have got you a similar one.”

“By whose means?”

“Malicorne’s.”

“Aure, are you telling the truth? Is that possible?”

“Malicorne is there; and what he has done for me, he surely

can do for you.”

Malicorne had heard his name pronounced twice; he was

delighted at having an opportunity of coming to a conclusion

with Madame de Saint-Remy, and he turned round: —

“What is the question, mademoiselle?”

“Come hither, Malicorne,” said Montalais, with an imperious

gesture. Malicorne obeyed.

“A brevet like this,” said Montalais.

“How so?”

“A brevet like this; that is plain enough.

“But —- ”

“I want one — I must have one!”

“Oh! oh! you must have one!”

“Yes.”

“It is impossible, is it not, M. Malicorne?” said Louise,

with her sweet, soft voice.

“If it is for you, mademoiselle —- ”

“For me. Yes, Monsieur Malicorne, it would be for me.”

“And if Mademoiselle de Montalais asks it at the same time

—- ”

“Mademoiselle de Montalais does not ask it, she requires

it.”

“Well! we will endeavor to obey you, mademoiselle.”

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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later

“And you will have her named?”

“We will try.”

“No evasive answers. Louise de la Valliere shall be maid of

honor to Madame Henrietta within a week.”

“How you talk!”

“Within a week, or else —- ”

“Well! or else?”

“You may take back your brevet, Monsieur Malicorne; I will

not leave my friend.”

“Dear Montalais!”

“That is right. Keep your brevet, Mademoiselle de la

Valliere shall be a maid of honor.”

“Is that true?”

“Quite true.”

“I may then hope to go to Paris?”

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