The Countess waited as anxiously for de Vaudrey’s answer as did her husband, though for a different reason. She loved the young man before her, and his happiness and well-being were very dear to her.
“My dear nephew,” she said kindly, “I see that this news surprises you. Yet there is no fear that the King’s choice will do violence to your feelings. The lady whom His Majesty has chosen, has youth, beauty and fortune.”
“In proof of which I have only to tell you that his choice is Princesse––” the Count attempted to say, but was interrupted by the Chevalier.
“Do not name her,” he said excitedly.
“Why not?” asked his uncle in astonishment.
“Because I refuse to marry!”
The effect of these momentous words was quite diverse upon the uncle and the aunt of the young man.
For the moment the haughty nobleman could not understand why his nephew-by-marriage should reject the flattering proposal, such an easy and agreeable road to 49 place and fortune. Soon rising anger got the better of his surprise, and minding Picard’s reports on the Chevalier’s conduct, his thought was:
“Ah, that’s the secret––he prefers his libertine courses to assured fortune!”
But the Aunt, with a woman’s ready wit, understood there could be but one reason to such a decided refusal, and knew that he must be already in love.