“I will get out at once,” and the baron thought, “down at Taverney I will be a little king with three thousand a-year.”
He picked up the case of jewels and walked to the door, saying with an atrocious smile:
“Philip, I authorise you to dedicate your first philosophical work to me. As for Andrea’s first work, advise her to call it Louis, or Louise, as the case may be. It is a lucky name.”
With bloodshot eye, and a brow of fire, Philip clutched his swordhilt, saying:
“God grant me patience and oblivion.”
CHAPTER XXXIX.
GILBERT’S PROJECT.
FOR a week that Gilbert had been in flight from Trianon, he lived in the woods with no other food than the wild roots, plants and fruit. At the last gasp, he went into town to Rousseau’s house, formerly a sure haven, not to foist himself on his hospitality, but to have temporary rest and nourishment.
It was there that he obtained the address of Baron Balsamo, or rather Count Fenix, and to his mansion he repaired.
As he entered, the proprietor was showing out the Prince of Rohan whom a duty of politeness brought to the generous alchemist. The poor, tattered boy dared not look up for fear of being dazzled.