“You are too good,” replied Rastignac, pressing the peer’s hand affectionately. “Perhaps we had better say nothing about it to Madame de l’Estorade; a mere hint given to our man would put him on his guard, and I want to spring upon him suddenly, like a tiger on his prey.”
“That’s understood—complete surprise to everybody.”
“Adieu, then,” said Rastignac; “I shall make the king laugh to-morrow at the notion of children plotting politics.”
“Ah!” replied Monsieur de l’Estorade, philosophically, “but isn’t that how life itself is carried on?—great effects from little causes.”
Rastignac had scarcely departed before Madame de l’Estorade returned with Nais and Monsieur and Madame de Camps.
“My dear,” said her husband, “you have just missed a charming visitor.”
“Who was it?” asked the countess, indifferently.
“The minister of Public Works, who came to make you his excuses. He noticed with regret the disagreeable impression made upon you by the theories of that scamp de Ronquerolles.”
“He has taken a good deal of trouble for a very small matter,” said Madame de l’Estorade, not sharing her husband’s enthusiasm.
“But all the same,” he replied, “it was very gracious of him to think of your feelings.” Then, in order to change the conversation, he asked Madame de Camps about their visit.