"In reality, you are like me," laughed Guillaume; "you think of nothing except being an honest man."
The supper, although the party was small, was served with extraordinary magnificence. The hall was decorated with flowers and foliage entwined with gold and silver ribbons; the most beautiful pieces of silverware and porcelain were brought forth; the dishes and wines were most exquisite.
Five or six of the most intimate friends and neighbors had arrived at the last stroke of the bell; their coming was another surprise for the marquis. Adamas had sent messengers all over the neighborhood.
There was no music during the banquet; they preferred to talk, for they had so much to say to one another! Adamas contented himself with a flourish of trumpets in the courtyard to announce each course.
Lauriane was seated opposite the marquis, with Mario at her right.
Lucilio was of the party; they had no reason to fear the evil intentions of any guest.
[23]The play upon words consisted in the fact that prétendus, the word used by Monsieur Poulain, also, means suitors. (Cf. the colloquial English phrase: his intended.)
[XXXVII]
Half an hour after they left the table, Adamas requested his master to ascend with his guests to the Salle des Verdures, where a fresh surprise was prepared.
It was an entertainment after the fashion then in vogue, carried out as well as it was possible to do it on such brief notice and in so confined a space.