The hunchback patted the notary on the back with a pat that made him give at the knees and look somewhat ruefully about him as if an earthquake had occurred, and introduced him to the company: "Here, sirs, is my Cupid—nay, better than Cupid, for Cupid had no pockets, whereas Maître Griveau has, and my marriage contract in one of them."
Master Griveau, with the air of one who could take a joke as well as any man if the joke were proffered in august company, produced a large, folded paper bound about with green ribbon. He bowed profoundly to Gonzague. "In accordance," he said, "with monseigneur’s instructions, as conveyed to me by monseigneur’s"—he halted for a moment, and then continued—"Monseigneur’s friend, the deed is prepared and ready for signature. Have I monseigneur’s permission to make a few preparations for the interesting ceremony?"
Gonzague nodded, and the brisk little man, with the aid of his two clerks, pushed a table into place, arranged writing materials, and, seating himself with a great air of formality, investigated a quill pen, spread out his contract, and surveyed the company with the air of one who should say: "I have done, and done well, all that it becometh me to do; it is now for you to play your part in this ceremony."
Gonzague addressed the notary: "Have you entered the names of groom and bride?"
Master Griveau gave a little, protesting cough. "I do not know them, your highness. I have left blank spaces for the names."
Gonzague pointed to Gabrielle, where she sat apart. "The lady is Mademoiselle de Lagardere." Then he turned to the hunchback. "And you, what is your lawful name, Æsop?"
The hunchback made an appeal to Gonzague. "Highness, humor my jest to the end. I have kept my real name a secret long enough; let me keep it secret a little longer. Will you and your friends honor me by signing as witnesses? Then I will fill in the blanks and set down my own name—a name that will make you laugh."
Oriol gave a grin. "Æsop is comic enough."
Lagardere nodded to him. "Æsop is a nickname. My true name will divert you more. Sign, sirs, sign."
Master Griveau, with due solemnity, unfolded the contract and spread it before him. Then he dipped a pen in the ink, and stood waiting for the illustrious company to sign the contract.