Serious objections came to him, and, at the risk of appearing disobliging, he would mention them. It seemed to him that the request entailed a good deal, and he did not want to enter upon it lightly. Timidly and hesitatingly he formulated his first objection, which was a natural one.
“It isn’t a trick, is it?” he asked.
“What do you mean by a trick?” said Bonmont shortly.
“No, really,” protested Gustave, “you aren’t pulling my leg?”
He was still in doubt, but the contemptuous look of the little fair man dispersed all doubt.
With great firmness and decision he declared:
“As long as I know it is a serious matter, you can rely upon me. I can be serious when necessary.”
He was silent awhile, and the difficulties confronting him again rose in his mind. Gently and timidly he said:
“Do you think that Madame de Gromance knows the minister well enough to ask such a—a—favour? Because, you know, she never mentions Loyer to me.”
“And that,” replied the little Baron, “is probably because she has other subjects to discuss with you. I don’t mean that she is keen on Loyer, but she thinks him a good old sort, and no fool. They got to know each other three years ago on the platform at the unveiling of the statue to Jeanne d’Arc. Loyer would be only too delighted to do anything to please Madame de Gromance, and I can assure you he isn’t a bad sort. When he puts on his best coat he looks like a retired fencing-master. She can go and see him all right, he will be quite nice to her—and he will most certainly do her no harm!”