"You may judge for yourself, Monsieur le Duc," said Lenet, "when you enter Saint-Georges in triumph, without firing a single shot."
"When that time comes I will approve."
"If it's as certain as you say," said the princess, "let everything be prepared for to-morrow."
"On such day and at such hour as your Highness pleases," said Claire. "I will await your commands in my apartment."
With that she bowed and withdrew; the princess, who had passed in an instant from wrath to hope, did the same, followed by Madame de Tourville. Espagnet, having renewed his protestations, took his departure, and the duke was left alone with Lenet.
VII.
"My dear Monsieur Lenet," said the duke, "as the women seem to have taken charge of the war, I think it would be a good plan for the men to do a little intriguing. I have heard of a certain Captain Cauvignac, whom you commissioned to raise a company, and who is represented to me as an exceedingly clever sort of fellow. I sent for him; is there any way for me to see him?"
"He is waiting, monseigneur," said Lenet.
"Let him come in, then."