“What!” he exclaimed, “another maid of honor? Are all the maids of honor in France, then, under his protection?”
Malicorne bowed. “Why does he not come himself?” he inquired.
“He is confined to his bed.”
“The deuce! he has no money then, I suppose,” said De Guiche, shrugging his shoulders. “What does he do with his money?”
Malicorne made a movement, to indicate that upon this subject he was as ignorant as the count himself. “Why does he not make use of his credit, then?” continued De Guiche.
“With regard to that, I think——”
“What?”
“That Manicamp has credit with no one but yourself, monsieur le comte!”
“He will not be at Havre, then?” Whereupon Malicorne made another movement.
“But every one will be there.”