"And so," said Nanon, laying her hand upon the duke's shoulder, "I may venture to solicit my friend in my brother's interest?"
"Most assuredly!" rejoined d'Épernon; "as much as you choose. Is it money?"
"Money, indeed!" said Nanon. "He's in no need of money; indeed it was he who gave me the magnificent ring you have noticed, which was his mother's."
"Promotion, then?" said the duke.
"Ah! yes, promotion. We'll make him a colonel, won't we?"
"Peste!/ how fast you go, my love! Colonel! To obtain that rank, he must have rendered his Majesty's cause some service."
"He is ready to render that cause whatever service may be pointed out to him."
"Indeed!" said the duke, looking at Nanon out of the corner of his eye, "I shall have occasion to send some one on a confidential mission to the court."
"To the court!" exclaimed Nanon.
"Yes," replied the old courtier; "but that would separate you."