"However ill-informed I may be," said Claire, "I will make the trial, nevertheless, if Madame la Princesse is pleased to allow me to do so."
"Certainly Madame la Princesse will allow you to do it," said Lenet, with a significant glance at Madame de Condé; "indeed, I am convinced that if there is any person on earth who can succeed in such a negotiation, you are that person."
"Pray what can madame do that another cannot do?"
"She will simply drive a bargain with Monsieur de Canolles, which a man could not do without getting himself thrown out of the window."
"A man if you please!" retorted Madame de Tourville; "but a woman?"
"If a woman is to go to Île Saint-Georges," said Lenet, "it is quite as well, indeed much better, that it should be madame rather than any other, because it is her idea."
At that moment a messenger entered, bringing a letter from the Parliament of Bordeaux.
"Ah!" cried the princess, "the reply to my request, I presume."
The two women drew near, impelled by a common sentiment of curiosity and interest. Lenet remained where he stood, as phlegmatic as always, knowing beforehand, in all probability, what the letter contained.
The princess read it with avidity.