第75章

Mademoiselle de Verneuil feigned surprise and seemed confused that the count should see her in such a negligent attitude; then, after reading in his eyes that her first effect was produced, she rose and busied herself about her guests with well-bred courtesy.There was nothing studied or forced in her motions, smiles, behavior, or voice, nothing that betrayed premeditation or purpose.All was harmonious; no part was over-acted; an observer could not have supposed that she affected the manners of a society in which she had not lived.When the Royalist and the Republic were seated she looked sternly at the count.He, on his part, knew women sufficiently well to feel certain that the offence he had committed against this woman was equivalent to a sentence of death.But in spite of this conviction, and without seeming either gay or gloomy, he had the air of a man who did not take such serious results into consideration; in fact, he really thought it ridiculous to fear death in presence of a pretty woman.Marie's stern manner roused ideas in his mind.

"Who knows," thought he, "whether a count's coronet wouldn't please her as well as that of her lost marquis? Montauran is as lean as a nail, while I--" and he looked himself over with an air of satisfaction."At any rate I should save my head."These diplomatic revelations were wasted.The passion the count proposed to feign for Mademoiselle de Verneuil became a violent caprice, which the dangerous creature did her best to heighten.

"Monsieur le comte," she said, "you are my prisoner, and I have the right to dispose of you.Your execution cannot take place without my consent, and I have too much curiosity to let them shoot you at present.""And suppose I am obstinate enough to keep silence?" he replied gaily.

"With an honest woman, perhaps, but with a woman of the town, no, no, monsieur le comte, impossible!" These words, full of bitter sarcasm, were hissed, as Sully says, in speaking of the Duchesse de Beaufort, from so sharp a beak that the count, amazed, merely looked at his antagonist."But," she continued, with a scornful glance, "not to contradict you, if I am a creature of that kind I will act like one.

Here is your gun," and she offered him his weapon with a mocking air.

"On the honor of a gentleman, mademoiselle--""Ah!" she said, interrupting him, "I have had enough of the honor of gentlemen.It was on the faith of that that I went to La Vivetiere.

Your leader had sworn to me that I and my escort should be safe there.""What an infamy!" cried Hulot, contracting his brows.

"The fault lies with monsieur le comte," said Marie, addressing Hulot.

"I have no doubt the Gars meant to keep his word, but this gentleman told some calumny about me which confirmed those that Charette's mistress had already invented--""Mademoiselle," said the count, much troubled, "with my head under the axe I would swear that I said nothing but the truth.""In saying what?"

"That you were the--"

"Say the word, mistress of--"

"The Marquis de Lenoncourt, the present duke, a friend of mine,"replied the count.

"Now I can let you go to execution," she said, without seeming at all agitated by the outspoken reply of the count, who was amazed at the real or pretended indifference with which she heard his statement.

"However," she added, laughing, "you have not wronged me more than that friend of whom you suppose me to have been the--Fie! monsieur le comte; surely you used to visit my father, the Duc de Verneuil? Yes?

well then--"

Evidently considering Hulot one too many for the confidence she was about to make, Mademoiselle de Verneuil motioned the count to her side, and said a few words in her ear.Monsieur de Bauvan gave a low ejaculation of surprise and looked with bewilderment at Marie, who completed the effect of her words by leaning against the chimney in the artless and innocent attitude of a child.

"Mademoiselle," cried the count, "I entreat your forgiveness, unworthy as I am of it.""I have nothing to forgive," she replied."You have no more ground for repentance than you had for the insolent supposition you proclaimed at La Vivetiere.But this is a matter beyond your comprehension.Only, remember this, monsieur le comte, the daughter of the Duc de Verneuil has too generous a spirit not to take a lively interest in your fate.""Even after I have insulted you?" said the count, with a sort of regret.

"Some are placed so high that insult cannot touch them.Monsieur le comte,--I am one of them."As she said the words, the girl assumed an air of pride and nobility which impressed the prisoner and made the whole of this strange intrigue much less clear to Hulot than the old soldier had thought it.

He twirled his moustache and looked uneasily at Mademoiselle de Verneuil, who made him a sign, as if to say she was still carrying out her plan.

"Now," continued Marie, after a pause, "let us discuss these matters.

Francine, my dear, bring lights."