“Impose on him?” repeated de Linieres. “It is a magnificent alliance, which will complete the measure of the distinguished 47 honors with which His Majesty deigns to favor us.”
“Have you spoken to the Chevalier yet?”
“No, but I am expecting him every moment, and I wished to talk with him in your presence.”
As if this conversation had some influence over him, de Vaudrey entered at this moment.
“Ah, Chevalier!” exclaimed the Count. “I am glad to see you. The Countess and myself have an important communication to make to you.”
De Vaudrey looked at his uncle in surprise. The latter was positively beaming. Big with the prospective grandeur of his house, he hesitated momentarily over the manner of delivering it.
“My dear Maurice,” said the Count finally, “the King did me the honor to receive me yesterday, and he spoke of you.”
“Of me?” asked de Vaudrey in surprise.
“He takes a great interest in you,” continued de Linieres, now speaking quickly. “He wishes you to accept a position at court, and desires at the same time that you should marry.”
“Marry?” asked de Vaudrey, as though 48 he could not believe his uncle really meant what he said.