She was highly flattered by his attentions, naturally enough, for he was considered to have exquisite taste in ladies and had put the final polish on many an eminent Précieuse. Under his tuition she hoped to be, by the time of her visit to Conrart, a past-mistress in the art of pleasing, and to have her ‘passions’ in such complete control as to be quite safe from an attack of bashfulness.
A July of quiet progress—then August and Mademoiselle de Scudéry! She awaited the issue of this next meeting with quiet confidence. There is a comfortable solidity about four weeks, like that of a square arm-chair in which one can sit at one’s ease, planning and dreaming. If Madeleine had been gifted with clarity of vision she would have realised that, for her, true happiness was to be found nowhere but in that comfortable, sedentary posture. Only those very dear to the gods can distinguish between what they really want and what they think they want.
Berthe was full of sly hints with regard to the Chevalier, and his visits elicited from her many an aphorism on the tender passion. She had evidently given to him the rôle formerly played by Jacques in her version of Madeleine’s roman.
And what of Jacques? He was naturally very jealous of the Chevalier and very angry with Madeleine.
He was now rarely at home in the evenings. Monsieur Troqueville, who, during the first week of July, was forced to keep his room by a severe attack of gout, seemed strangely uneasy.
Suddenly Jacques ceased coming home even to sleep, and at the mention of his name Monsieur Troqueville would be threatened by a fit of apoplexy.
When alone with Madeleine he was full of vague threats and warnings such as: ‘When I get hold of that rascally cousin of yours, I would see him that dares prevent me strangling him!’ ‘Have a care lest that scoundrel Jacques stick a disgrace upon you, as he has done to me!’ ‘If you’ll be ruled by me you’ll have none of that fellow! ’Tis a most malicious and treacherous villain!’
A sinister fear began to stir in Madeleine’s heart.