At that point, a terrifying thought passed through Nanon's mind, and well-nigh struck her dumb.
Suppose that this meeting between Canolles and the little gentleman was by appointment.
But no; she was mad to think of it, for the little fellow awaited the arrival of a man with moustaches, and was rude to Canolles; perhaps Canolles did not himself detect the stranger's sex until he happened upon the little glove.
No matter! Canolles must be thwarted.
Summoning all her energy, she returned to the duke, who had just dismissed Biscarros, laden with compliments and instructions.
"What a misfortune, monsieur," said she, "that that madcap's folly deprives him of an honor like that you were about to bestow upon him! If he had been here, his future was assured; his absence may ruin everything."
"But," said the duke, "if we find him—"
"No danger of that," rejoined Nanon; "if there's a woman in the case, he will not have returned."
"What would you have me do, my love? Youth is the age of pleasure; he is young, and is amusing himself."