"You mistake admiration for astonishment, baroness. I am not surprised in the least. I know the wonderful kindness and gentleness of your heart too well," added M. de Maillefort, concealing his hope that he had at last found the desired clue under his usual persiflage.
"Instead of making fun of my kindness of heart, marquis," replied Madame de la Rochaiguë, "you ought to imitate it by endeavouring to procure the poor young girl some pupils among your numerous acquaintances."
"Certainly," replied the marquis, rather indifferently, however; "I will do the best I can for your protégée, though I am not considered much of a musical connoisseur, I fear. But what is this young girl's name, and where does she live?"
"Her name is Herminie, and she lives on the Rue de Monceau. I don't remember the number, but I will ascertain and let you know."
"I will secure some pupils for Mlle. Herminie if I can; but, in return, if I should ever ask your protection for some suitor for Mlle. de Beaumesnil's hand,—some suitor whom I see getting the worst of it in the mêlée, you will grant my request, will you not?"
"You set a high value on your services, I must say, marquis," replied the baroness, laughing in a very constrained way; "but I am sure we shall come to an amicable understanding."
"You can not imagine how deeply I rejoice in advance at the touching harmony which is henceforth to exist between us, my dear baroness. Well, after all, let us admit that this little orgy of sincerity has been of immense advantage to us. We are full of confidence in each other now, are we not, my dear baroness?"
"Unquestionably, and mutual confidence, alas, is so rare!" exclaimed the baroness, with a sigh.
"But all the more precious when it is found, eh, my dear baroness?"
"Unquestionably, my dear marquis. Au revoir, then, if you must go. I shall hope to see you again very soon."