He hastened to join Léodgard, to whom he repeated the verbal reply that had been given him. The count stamped his foot impatiently, muttering:
"Wait!—Ah! then she does not share my love! And not to condescend to write me a word! not to send me the slightest pledge, the veriest trifle!—Can you go to the Hôtel de Santoval again?" he said to the little clerk.
"Oh! yes, seigneur; I have arranged a little plea in bar—it is such a simple matter in our profession! And the next time I will find another."
"In that case, return in a fortnight; that is a long time! but since she will have it so—I will tell you then what you must do."
Bahuchet, having been handsomely paid once more, promised to be exact; and he returned to his office, oblivious of the fact that he had been followed on leaving the Hôtel de Santoval, and continued to be till he had entered the office door.
The fortnight having passed, Bahuchet met Léodgard again at their usual place of rendezvous.
"Go to the marchioness," said the count; "as my letters have obtained no reply, you will not carry one this time; but you will say to her that I entreat her to give you a word for me; add that, if she denies me this favor, I am capable of committing the most imprudent acts in order to see her.—Go—I will await your return; and I will double the usual sum if you bring me a note from the marchioness."
"By Plumard's scalp!" said Bahuchet to himself, as he walked toward the Hôtel de Santoval; "the lovely marchioness simply must write a few words! I will grovel at her feet to obtain them.—Vertuchoux! this is a right good trade! I am feathering my nest!—Let things go on like this for a few months, and I shall have enough to set up for myself!—I will keep a tavern adjoining the law courts; that is more amusing than pettifogging.—Here is my charmer's house; I have my deed, I am all armed—I will present myself boldly!"
Bahuchet knocked at the gate, which was opened to admit him, then suddenly closed behind him. He smiled affably to the concierge, saying:
"I have come to request the honor of speaking with Madame la Marquise de Santoval on business, from my employer's office."