“Where is the Chevalier?” suddenly asked one of the ladies, as she was thus reminded of one whom report had described as rather eccentric, and on whom she wished to exercise her charms. “You promised me I should see him, Marquis.”
“So I did, and I expect him, as well as another guest. I warn you, ladies, that she will be the rival to you all.”
“Who is the other guest?” was the question which assailed him from all quarters.
“A young lady,” answered the Marquis as if enraptured at the thought. “Sweet sixteen, beautiful as a rose, and innocent as an angel.”
“Where did you find such a pearl?” asked one of the ladies banteringly.
“In Normandy.”
This announcement was followed by a titter from the feminine members of the group.
“Yes, I know these Normandy beauties!” scorned one of the ladies, betraying in spite of herself a tinge of jealousy.
“Rustics! Quite unpolished and de trop,” chimed in another fair one, cat-like in her verbal claws.