He was so incensed, that for more than a week he did not go to Lacheneur’s house.
His father concluded that his ill-humor and gloom was caused by some misunderstanding with Marie-Anne; and he took advantage of this opportunity to gain his son’s consent to an alliance with Blanche de Courtornieu.
A victim to the most cruel doubts and fears, Martial, goaded to the last extremity, exclaimed:
“Very well! I will marry Mademoiselle Blanche.”
The duke did not allow such a good resolution to grow cold.
In less than forty-eight hours the engagement was made public; the marriage contract was drawn up, and it was announced that the wedding would take place early in the spring.
A grand banquet was given at Sairmeuse in honor of the betrothal—a banquet all the more brilliant since there were other victories to be celebrated.
The Duc de Sairmeuse had just received, with his brevet of lieutenant-general, a commission placing him in command of the military department of Montaignac.
The Marquis de Courtornieu had also received an appointment, making him provost-marshal of the same district.
Blanche had triumphed. After this public betrothal Martial was bound to her.