Accordingly I met him with civility, and was not surprised when,
with his second speech, he brought out the word FAVOUR. But I
was surprised--for, as I have said, I knew him to be the best
practised beggar in the world--to note in his manner some
indications of embarrassment and nervousness; which, when I did
not immediately assent, increased to a sensible extent.
"It is a very small thing, M. de Rosny," he said, breathing hard.
On that hint I declared my willingness to serve him. "But," I
added, shrugging my shoulders and speaking in a confidential
tone, "no one knows the Court better than you do, M. de Perrot.
You are in all our secrets, and you must be aware that at
present--I say nothing of the Duchess, she is a good woman, and
devoted to his Majesty--but there are others--"
"I know," he answered, with a flash of malevolence that did not
escape me. "But this is a private favour, M. de Rosny. It is
nothing that Madame de Sourdis can desire, either for herself or
for others."
That aroused my curiosity.
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