“Go away, Malicorne; really, you are exceedingly indiscreet.” At this remark Malicorne bit his lips and retired a few steps, without making any reply. His smile, however, changed its expression, and from its former 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 of honor to Madame!”
“Why should not she be a maid of honor, as well as myself?” inquired Montalais.
“Pray accept my compliments, young ladies,” said Raoul, who fancied he perceived 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 such is not my feeling; were you called upon to occupy a queen’s throne, I should not be surprised; how much greater reason, then, such a position as this? The only circumstance that amazes me is that I should have learned it only to-day, and that by the merest accident.”