"Mlle. de Terville!" said M. de Montalvan in some surprise, which, however, the other did not observe; "do you know her?"
"Perfectly."
"Is it possible?"
"All about her."
"Tell me, how does she look?"
"Ah, now you ask too much. I have never seen her."
"But you say—"
"That I know all about her. Yes, I am to wed her in six weeks."
"The Devil and St. Philippe!"
"I don't wonder you are astonished, my dear De Montalvan. It's quite throwing myself away to marry any woman at my time of life. Think how many adventures I shall lose. I never intended to be married until I had risen to something like the glory of Richelieu. Imagine having two beauties fight a duel for you, for example! Richelieu was only twenty-two when Mesdames de Nesle and de Polignac fought for his favor. I am twenty-three, and no woman ever fought for me. At least, not that I am aware of."