As it was, I found something friendly,
as well as curious, in his fixed frown; and ignorant of his name,
though I knew him by sight, wondered both who he was and what was
the cause of his preoccupation.
On the one point I had no difficulty in satisfying myself.
Boisrueil, who presently passed, told me that his name was
Vallon; that he belonged to a poor but old family in the
Cotentin, and that he had been only three months at court.
"Making his fortune, I suppose?" I said grimly. "He games?"
"No, your excellency."
"Is in debt?"
"Not to my knowledge."
"To whom does he pay his court, then?"
"To the King."
"And the Queen?"
"Not particularly--as far as I know, at least. But if you wish
to know more, M. le Duc," Boisrueil continued, "I will--"
"No, no," I said peevishly. The Queen had just handed her last
rouleau across the table, and was still playing. "Go, man, about
your business; I don't want to spend the evening gossiping with
you."
He went, and I dismissed the young fellow from my mind; only to
find him five minutes later at my elbow.
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