"Yes, your Highness. Accept my most humble respects, madame."
Kneeling upon one knee, the young man tried to take the princess's hand to imprint a respectful kiss upon it.
"Come to my arms, dear viscountess, to my arms!" cried Madame de Condé, raising her.
Having submitted to Madame la Princesse's embrace with all possible respect, the cavalier turned to the princess dowager, to whom he made a low bow.
"Speak quickly, dear Claire!" said she.
"Yes, speak," added Madame de Condé. "Have you seen Richon?"
"Yes, madame, and he entrusted me with a message for you."
"Good news or bad?"
"I do not know myself; the message consists of two words."