Madame's marriage was celebrated in the chapel of the Palais-Royal, inthe presence of a crowd of courtiers, who had been most scrupulouslyselected. However, notwithstanding the marked favor which an invitationindicated, Raoul, faithful to his promise to Malicorne, who was soanxious to witness the ceremony, obtained admission for him. After hehad fulfilled this engagement, Raoul approached De Guiche, who, as ifin contrast with his magnificent costume, exhibited a countenance soutterly dejected, that the Duke of Buckingham was the only one presentwho could contend with him as far as pallor and discomfiture wereconcerned.
"Take care, count," said Raoul, approaching his friend, and preparing tosupport him at the moment the archbishop blessed the married couple. Infact, the Prince of Conde was attentively scrutinizing these two imagesof desolation, standing like caryatides on either side of the naveof the church. The count, after that, kept a more careful watch overhimself.
At the termination of the ceremony, the king and queen passed onwardtowards the grand reception-room, where Madame and her suite were to bepresented to them. It was remarked that the king, who had seemed morethan surprised at his sister-in-law's appearance was most flattering inhis compliments to her. Again, it was remarked that the queen-mother,fixing a long and thoughtful gaze upon Buckingham, leaned towardsMadame de Motteville as though to ask her, "Do you not see how much heresembles his father?" and finally it was remarked that Monsieur watchedeverybody, and seemed quite discontented. After the reception of theprincess and ambassadors, Monsieur solicited the king's permission topresent to him as well as to Madame the persons belonging to their newhousehold.
"Are you aware, vicomte," inquired the Prince de Conde of Raoul,"whether the household has been selected by a person of taste, andwhether there are any faces worth looking at?"
"I have not the slightest idea, monseigneur," replied Raoul.
"You affect ignorance, surely."
"In what way, monseigneur?"
"You are a friend of De Guiche, who is one of the friends of theprince."
"That may be so, monseigneur; but the matter having no interest whateverfor me, I never questioned De Guiche on the subject; and De Guicheon his part, never having been questioned, did not communicate anyparticulars to me."
"But Manicamp?"
"It is true I saw Manicamp at Havre, and during the journey here, butI was no more inquisitive with him than I had been towards De Guiche.Besides, is it likely that Manicamp should know anything of suchmatters? for he is a person of only secondary importance."
"My dear vicomte, do you not know better than that?" said the prince;"why, it is these persons of secondary importance who, on suchoccasions, have all the influence; and the truth is, that nearlyeverything has been done through Manicamp's presentations to De Guiche,and through De Guiche to Monsieur."
"I assure you, monseigneur, I was ignorant of that," said Raoul, "andwhat your highness does me the honor to impart is perfectly new to me."
"I will most readily believe you, although it seems incredible; besides,we shall not have long to wait. See, the flying squadron is advancing,as good Queen Catherine used to say. Ah! ah! what pretty faces!"
A bevy of young girls at this moment entered the salon, conducted byMadame de Navailles, and to Manicamp's credit be it said, if indeedhe had taken that part in their selection which the Prince de Condeassigned him, it was a display calculated to dazzle those who, like theprince, could appreciate every character and style of beauty. A young,fair-complexioned girl, from twenty to one-and-twenty years of age, andwhose large blue eyes flashed, as she opened them, in the most dazzlingmanner, walked at the head of the band and was the first presented.
"Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente," said Madame de Navailles to Monsieur,who, as he saluted his wife, repeated "Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente."
"Ah! ah!" said the Prince de Conde to Raoul, "she is presentableenough."
"Yes," said Raoul, "but has she not a somewhat haughty style?"
"Bah! we know these airs very well, vicomte; three months hence she willbe tame enough. But look, there, indeed, is a pretty face."
"Yes," said Raoul, "and one I am acquainted with."
"Mademoiselle Aure de Montalais," said Madame de Navailles. The name andChristian name were carefully repeated by Monsieur.
"Great heavens!" exclaimed Raoul, fixing his bewildered gaze upon theentrance doorway.
"What's the matter?" inquired the prince; "was it Mademoiselle Aure deMontalais who made you utter such a 'Great heavens'?"
"No, monseigneur, no," replied Raoul, pale and trembling.
"Well, then, if it be not Mademoiselle Aure de Montalais, it is thatpretty blonde who follows her. What beautiful eyes! She is rather thin,but has fascinations without number."
"Mademoiselle de la Baume le Blanc de la Valliere!" said Madame deNavailles; and, as this name resounded through his whole being, a cloudseemed to rise from his breast to his eyes, so that he neither saw norheard anything more; and the prince, finding him nothing more than amere echo which remained silent under his railleries, moved forward toinspect somewhat closer the beautiful girls whom his first glance hadalready particularized.
"Louise here! Louise a maid of honor to Madame!" murmured Raoul, and hiseyes, which did not suffice to satisfy his reason, wandered from Louiseto Montalais. The latter had already emancipated herself from herassumed timidity, which she only needed for the presentation and for herreverences.
Mademoiselle de Montalais, from the corner of the room to which she hadretired, was looking with no slight confidence at the different personspresent; and, having discovered Raoul, she amused herself with theprofound astonishment which her own and her friend's presence therecaused the unhappy lover. Her waggish and malicious look, which Raoultried to avoid meeting, and which yet he sought inquiringly from timeto time, placed him on the rack. As for Louise, whether from naturaltimidity, or some other reason for which Raoul could not account, shekept her eyes constantly cast down; intimidated, dazzled, and withimpeded respiration, she withdrew herself as much as possible aside,unaffected even by the nudges Montalais gave her with her elbow. Thewhole scene was a perfect enigma for Raoul, the key to which he wouldhave given anything to obtain. But no one was there who could assisthim, not even Malicorne; who, a little uneasy at finding himself in thepresence of so many persons of good birth, and not a little discouragedby Montalais's bantering glances, had described a circle, and by degreessucceeded in getting a few paces from the prince, behind the group ofmaids of honor, and nearly within reach of Mademoiselle Aure's voice,she being the planet around which he, as her attendant satellite, seemedconstrained to gravitate. As he recovered his self-possession, Raoulfancied he recognized voices on his right hand that were familiarto him, and he perceived De Wardes, De Guiche, and the Chevalier deLorraine, conversing together. It is true they were talking in tonesso low, that the sound of their words could hardly be heard in the vastapartment. To speak in that manner from any particular place withoutbending down, or turning round, or looking at the person with whom onemay be engaged in conversation, is a talent that cannot be immediatelyacquired by newcomers. Long study is needed for such conversations,which, without a look, gesture, or movement of the head, seem like theconversation of a group of statues. In fact, in the king's and queen'sgrand assemblies, while their majesties were speaking, and while everyone present seemed to be listening in the midst of the most profoundsilence, some of these noiseless conversations took place, in whichadulation was not the prevailing feature. But Raoul was one among othersexceedingly clever in this art, so much a matter of etiquette, that fromthe movement of the lips he was often able to guess the sense of thewords.
"Who is that Montalais?" inquired De Wardes, "and that La Valliere? Whatcountry-town have we had sent here?"
"Montalais?" said the chevalier,--"oh, I know her; she is a good sortof a girl, whom we shall find amusing enough. La Valliere is a charminggirl, slightly lame."
"Ah! bah!" said De Wardes.
"Do no
t be absurd, De Wardes, there are some very characteristic andingenious Latin axioms about lame ladies."
"Gentlemen, gentlemen," said De Guiche, looking at Raoul withuneasiness, "be a little careful, I entreat you."
But the uneasiness of the count, in appearance at least, was not needed.Raoul had preserved the firmest and most indifferent countenance,although he had not lost a word that passed. He seemed to keep anaccount of the insolence and license of the two speakers in order tosettle matters with them at the earliest opportunity.
De Wardes seemed to guess what was passing in his mind, and continued:
"Who are these young ladies' lovers?"
"Montalais's lover?" said the chevalier.
"Yes, Montalais first."
"You, I, or De Guiche,--whoever likes, in fact."
"And the other?"
"Mademoiselle de la Valliere?"
"Yes."
"Take care, gentlemen," exclaimed De Guiche, anxious to put a stop to DeWardes's reply; "take care, Madame is listening to us."
Raoul thrust his hand up to the wrist into his justaucorps in greatagitation. But the very malignity which he saw was excited againstthese poor girls made him take a serious resolution. "Poor Louise," hethought, "has come here only with an honorable object in view and underhonorable protection; and I must learn what that object is which shehas in view, and who it is that protects her." And following Malicorne'smaneuver, he made his way toward the group of the maids of honor. Thepresentations were soon over. The king, who had done nothing but lookat and admire Madame, shortly afterwards left the reception-room,accompanied by the two queens. The Chevalier de Lorraine resumed hisplace beside Monsieur, and, as he accompanied him, insinuated a fewdrops of the venom he had collected during the last hour, while lookingat some of the faces in the court, and suspecting that some of theirhearts might be happy. A few of the persons present followed the kingas he quitted the apartment; but such of the courtiers as assumed anindependence of character, and professed a gallantry of disposition,began to approach the ladies of the court. The prince paid hiscompliments to Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, Buckingham devotedhimself to Madame Chalais and Mademoiselle de Lafayette, whom Madamealready distinguished by her notice, and whom she held in high regard.As for the Comte de Guiche, who had abandoned Monsieur as soon as hecould approach Madame alone, he conversed, with great animation,with Madame de Valentinois, and with Mesdemoiselles de Crequy and deChatillon.
Amid these varied political and amorous interests, Malicorne was anxiousto gain Montalais's attention; but the latter preferred talking withRaoul, even if it were only to amuse herself with his innumerablequestions and his astonishment. Raoul had gone direct to Mademoiselle dela Valliere, and had saluted her with the profoundest respect, at whichLouise blushed, and could not say a word. Montalais, however, hurried toher assistance.
"Well, monsieur le vicomte, here we are, you see."
"I do, indeed, see you," said Raoul, smiling, "and it is exactly becauseyou are here that I wish to ask for some explanation."
Malicorne approached the group with his most fascinating smile.
"Go away, Malicorne; really, you are exceedingly indiscreet." At thisremark Malicorne bit his lips and retired a few steps, without makingany reply. His smile, however, changed its expression, and from itsformer frankness, became mocking in its expression.
"You wished for an explanation, M. Raoul?" inquired Montalais.
"It is surely worth one, I think; Mademoiselle de la Valliere a maid ofhonor to Madame!"
"Why should not she be a maid of honor, as well as myself?" inquiredMontalais.
"Pray accept my compliments, young ladies," said Raoul, who fancied heperceived they were not disposed to answer him in a direct manner.
"Your remark was not made in a very complimentary manner, vicomte."
"Mine?"
"Certainly; I appeal to Louise."
"M. de Bragelonne probably thinks the position is above my condition,"said Louise, hesitatingly.
"Assuredly not," replied Raoul, eagerly; "you know very well that suchis not my feeling; were you called upon to occupy a queen's throne, Ishould not be surprised; how much greater reason, then, such a positionas this? The only circumstance that amazes me is that I should havelearned it only to-day, and that by the merest accident."
"That is true," replied Montalais, with her usual giddiness; "you knownothing about it, and there is no reason you should. M. de Bragelonnehad written several letters to you, but your mother was the only personwho remained behind at Blois, and it was necessary to prevent theseletters falling into her hands; I intercepted them, and returned themto M. Raoul, so that he believed you were still at Blois while you werehere in Paris, and had no idea whatever, indeed, how high you had risenin rank."
"Did you not inform M. Raoul, as I begged you to do?"
"Why should I? to give him an opportunity or making some of his severeremarks and moral reflections, and to undo what we had so much troublein effecting? Certainly not."
"Am I so very severe, then?" said Raoul, inquiringly.
"Besides," said Montalais, "it is sufficient to say that it suited me.I was about setting off for Paris--you were away; Louise was weeping hereyes out; interpret that as you please; I begged a friend, a protectorof mine, who had obtained the appointment for me, to solicit one forLouise; the appointment arrived. Louise left in order to get her costumeprepared; as I had my own ready, I remained behind; I received yourletters, and returned them to you, adding a few words, promising you asurprise. Your surprise is before you, monsieur, and seems to be a fairone enough; you have nothing more to ask. Come, M. Malicorne, it is nowtime to leave these young people together: they have many things totalk about; give me your hand; I trust that you appreciate the honorconferred upon you, M. Malicorne."
"Forgive me," said Raoul, arresting the giddy girl, and giving tohis voice an intonation, the gravity of which contrasted with that ofMontalais; "forgive me, but may I inquire the name of the protectoryou speak of; for if protection be extended towards you, MademoiselleMontalais,--for which, indeed, so many reasons exist," added Raoul,bowing, "I do not see that the same reasons exist why Mademoiselle de laValliere should be similarly cared for."
"But, M. Raoul," said Louise, innocently, "there is no difference in thematter, and I do not see why I should not tell it you myself; it was M.Malicorne who obtained it for me."
Raoul remained for a moment almost stupefied, asking himself if theywere trifling with him; he then turned round to interrogate Malicorne,but he had been hurried away by Montalais, and was already at somedistance from them. Mademoiselle de la Valliere attempted to follow herfriend, but Raoul, with gentle authority, detained her.
"Louise, one word, I beg."
"But, M. Raoul," said Louise, blushing, "we are alone. Every one hasleft. They will become anxious, and will be looking for us."
"Fear nothing," said the young man, smiling, "we are neither of us ofsufficient importance for our absence to be remarked."
"But I have my duty to perform, M. Raoul."
"Do not be alarmed, I am acquainted with these usages of the court; youwill not be on duty until to-morrow; a few minutes are at your disposal,which will enable you to give me the information I am about to have thehonor to ask you for."
"How serious you are, M. Raoul!" said Louise.
"Because the circumstances are serious. Are you listening?"
"I am listening; I would only repeat, monsieur, that we are quitealone."
"You are right," said Raoul, and, offering her his hand, he led theyoung girl into the gallery adjoining the reception-room, the windowsof which looked out upon the courtyard. Every one hurried towards themiddle window, which had a balcony outside, from which all the detailsof the slow and formal preparations for departure could be seen. Raoulopened one of the side windows, and then, being alone with Louise, saidto her: "You know, Louise, that from my childhood I have regarded youas my sister, as one who has been the confidante of all my t
roubles, towhom I have entrusted all my hopes."
"Yes, M. Raoul," she answered softly; "yes, M. Raoul, I know that."
"You used, on your side, to show the same friendship towards me, and hadthe same confidence in me; why have you not, on this occasion, been myfriend--why have you shown suspicion of me?"
Mademoiselle de la Valliere did not answer. "I fondly thought you lovedme," said Raoul, whose voice became more and more agitated; "I fondlythought you consented to all the plans we had, together, laid down forour own happiness, at the time when we wandered up and down the walks ofCour-Cheverny, under the avenue of poplar trees leading to Blois. Youdo not answer me, Louise. Is it possible," he inquired, breathing withdifficulty, "that you no longer love me?"
"I did not say so," replied Louise, softly.
"Oh! tell me the truth, I implore you. All my hopes in life are centeredin you. I chose you for your gentle and simple tastes. Do not sufferyourself to be dazzled, Louise, now that you are in the midst of a courtwhere all that is pure too soon becomes corrupt--where all that is youngtoo soon grows old. Louise, close your ears, so as not to hear what maybe said; shut your eyes, so as not to see the examples before you; shutyour lips, that you may not inhale the corrupting influences aboutyou. Without falsehood or subterfuge, Louise, am I to believe whatMademoiselle de Montalais stated? Louise, did you come to Paris becauseI was no longer at Blois?"
La Valliere blushed and concealed her face in her hands.
"Yes, it was so, then!" exclaimed Raoul, delightedly; "that was, then,your reason for coming here. I love you as I never yet loved you.Thanks, Louise, for this devotion; but measures must be taken to placeyou beyond all insult, to shield you from every lure. Louise, a maid ofhonor in the court of a young princess in these days of free manners andinconstant affections---a maid of honor is placed as an object of attackwithout having any means of defence afforded her; this state of thingscannot continue, you must be married in order to be respected."
"Married?"
"Yes, here is my hand, Louise; will you place yours within it?"
"But your father?"
"My father leaves me perfectly free."
"Yet----"
"I understand your scruples, Louise; I will consult my father."
"Reflect, M. Raoul; wait."
"Wait! it is impossible. Reflect, Louise, when you are concerned! itwould be insulting,--give me your hand, dear Louise; I am my own master.My father will consent, I know; give me your hand, do not keep mewaiting thus. One word in answer, one word only; if not, I shall beginto think that, in order to change you forever, nothing more was neededthan a single step in the palace, a single breath of favor, a smile fromthe queen, a look from the king."
Raoul had no sooner pronounced this latter word, than La Valliere becameas pale as death, no doubt from fear at seeing the young man excitehimself. With a movement as rapid as thought, she placed both her handsin those of Raoul, and then fled without adding a syllable; disappearingwithout casting a look behind her. Raoul felt his whole frame trembleat the contact of her hand; he received the compact as a solemn bargainwrung by affection from her child-like timidity.
CHAPTER 90. The Consent of Athos
Ten Years Later Page 96
