He thought she was embarrassed, and was delighted, thinking it showed, at least, an absence of indifference. He then kissed her hand, and took leave, going away full of enthusiasm and hope.
Jeanne was waiting for him in the carriage, and received his ardent protestations with pleasure. “Well,” said she, “shall you be Richelieu or Mazarin? Have her lips given you encouragement in ambition or love? Are you launched in politics or intrigue?”
“Do not laugh, dear countess; I am full of happiness.”
“Already!”
“Assist me, and in three weeks I may be a minister.”
“Peste! that is a long time; the next payment is in a fortnight.”
“Ah! the queen has money, and will pay, and I shall have only the merit of the intention. It is too little; I would willingly have paid for this reconciliation with the whole sum.”
“Make yourself easy,” replied the countess; “you shall have this merit if you desire it.”
“I should have preferred it; the queen would then have been under an obligation to me.”
“Monseigneur, something tells me you will have this satisfaction. Are you prepared for it?”