"Because I wished to allow Madame de Cambes to receive the reward of her fatiguing journey," replied Lenet, with a motion of his head toward Claire, who was deeply moved, "and also because I feared an explosion of joy on the part of your Highnesses, out on the terrace in everybody's sight."
"You are right, Pierre, always right, my good Pierre!" said Madame la Princesse. "Let us say nothing."
"And we owe this to the gallant Richon," said the princess dowager. "Hasn't he done well, Compère Lenet, and aren't you content with him?"
Compère was the princess dowager's pet word; it was a reminiscence of Henri IV., who used it frequently.
"Richon is a man of brain and energy, madame, and I pray your Highness to believe that if I had not been as sure of him as of myself I would not have recommended him."
"What shall we do for him?" said Madame la Princesse.
"We must give him some important post," said the dowager.
"Some important post? Your Highness cannot think of doing so," interposed Madame de Tourville, sourly; "you forget that Monsieur Richon is not of gentle birth!"
"Nor am I, madame," retorted Lenet; "which fact does not prevent Monsieur le Prince from having some confidence in me, I believe. Most assuredly do I admire and respect the nobility of France; but there are circumstances in which a noble heart, I venture to say, is worth more than an ancient coat of arms."
"Why did not good Richon come himself to tell us this joyful tidings?" asked Madame la Princesse.