“Well, as a matter of fact,” said Jean, “Choiseul asked me to make sure of your coming. He wishes peace all round now that the Dauphiness is to arrive so shortly.”
“You are great friends with Choiseul now, you and Madame la Comtesse?”
“We are at peace, for the moment. I do not trust him one hair’s breadth, but we are at peace.”
“Just so,” said Sartines; “and how is Mademoiselle Fontrailles?”
“As beautiful as ever.”
“And as cold?”
“Oh, ma foi!” said Jean, laughing, “I think the ice is broken in that direction—Camus——”
“You mean to say she cares for Camus?”
Jean laughed. “I say nothing. I only know what the Countess told me this morning. Mind this is between ourselves—well, she is Camus’, heart and soul.”
“Peste! What does she see in that fellow?—Are you sure of what you say?”