Then, after a
word or two about some assignments for the expenses of her
household, in settling which there had been delay--a matter
wherein, also, I contrived to do her pleasure and the King's
service no wrong--I very willingly took my leave, and, calling my
people, started homewards on foot. I had not gone twenty paces,
however, before M. de Perrot, whose impatience had chained him to
the spot, crossed the street and joined himself to me. "My dear
friend," he cried, embracing me fervently, "is all well?"
"Yes," I said.
"She is appeased?"
"Absolutely."
He heaved a deep sigh of relief, and, almost crying in his joy,
began to thank me, with all the extravagance of phrase and
gesture to which men of his mean spirit are prone. Through all I
heard him silently, and with secret amusement, knowing that the
end was not yet. At length he asked me what explanation I had
given.
"The only explanation possible," I answered bluntly. "I had to
combat Madame's jealousy. I did it in the only way in which it
could be done: by stating that your niece loved your son, and by
imploring her good word on their behalf.
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