"What, my brave fellow, was that you, who were dressed as a girl?"
"Yes, seigneur, I had the misfortune to wound you in the arm."
"And I tell you that that was just, for I was wrong, as I usually am. Hang it! I'm delighted to see you again; give me your hand, you are a brave fellow."
The marquis rose, came towards Urbain and cordially shook him by the hand. The latter, delighted by this welcome, did not know how to evince his gratitude.
"Seat yourself near me," said Villebelle, "and tell me what has procured me the pleasure of receiving you in my château."
"Monseigneur, you had the goodness to offer me your protection if I were unfortunate, and I come to claim it."
"You do well, my dear fellow; speak without fear. Is it money that you need, I have it at your service; don't spare it, I often enough make a bad use of it, once at least let it serve me in making somebody happy."
"Fortune could not render me happy, for it is love which causes my trouble, monseigneur."
"Oh, you are in love; that's different, I am in love, also; and at this moment it does not make me very happy, either. But come, tell me your love affairs."
"I love, I adore, a charming young girl—ah, monseigneur, there is nobody to be compared to her."