“No doubt of it,” said Monsieur, “and Guiche knows perfectly well that I regard him as a most finished cavalier.”
“Well, since that is decided, I resume. You have been in the princess’s society, count, for the last eight days, have you not?”
“Yes,” replied De Guiche, coloring in spite of himself.
“Well, then, tell us frankly, what do you think of her personal appearance?”
“Of her personal appearance?” returned De Guiche, stupefied.
“‘Yes; of her appearance, of her mind, of herself, in fact.”
Astounded by this question, De Guiche hesitated answering.
“Come, come, De Guiche,” resumed the chevalier, laughingly, “tell us your opinion frankly; the prince commands it.”
“Yes, yes,” said the prince, “be frank.”
De Guiche stammered out a few unintelligible words.