The house opposite to his own was still lighted up, and from that moment all his attention was directed toward it.
In the first place, he observed, by a rent in the curtain, Ernanton walking up and down, apparently waiting with great impatience.
He then saw the litter return, saw Mayneville leave, and, lastly, he saw the duchess enter the room in which Ernanton, palpitating, and throbbing rather than breathing, impatiently awaited her return.
Ernanton kneeled before the duchess, who gave him her white hand to kiss. She then raised the young man from the ground, and made him sit down before her at a table which was most elegantly served.
"This is very singular," said Chicot; "It began like a conspiracy, and finishes by a rendezvous.
"Yes," continued Chicot, "but who appointed this rendezvous?
"Madame de Montpensier."
And then, as a fresh light flashed through his brain, he murmured, "I entirely approve of your plan with regard to the Forty-five; only allow me to say, dear sister, that you will be conferring a greater honor on those fellows than they deserve."
"Ventre de biche!" exclaimed Chicot, "I return to my original idea,—it is not a love affair, but a conspiracy.
"Madame la Duchesse de Montpensier is in love with Monsieur Ernanton de Carmainges; let us watch over this love affair of Madame la Duchesse."