TEN YEARS LATER. 33 Manicamp, and was immediately admitted. He found the Comte de Guiche in the courtyard of the Hotel Grammont, inspecting his horses, which his trainers and equerries were passing in review before him. The count, in the presence of his tradespeople and of his servants, Avas engaged in praising or blaming, as the case seemed to deserve, the ap- pointments, horses, and harness which were being submitted to him, when, in the midst of this important occupation, the name of Manicamp was announced. "Manicamp!" he exclaimed; "let him enter, by all means." And he advanced a few steps toward the door. Malicorne slipped through the half-open door, and look- ing at the Comte de Guiche, who was surprised to see a face which he did not recognize, instead of the one he expected, said: "Forgive me, Monsieur le Comte, but I believe a mistake has been made. Monsieur Manicamp himself was announced to you, instead of which it is only an envoy from him." "Ah!" exclaimed De Guiche coldly; "and what do you bring me?" "A letter, Monsieur le Comte." Malicorne handed him the first document, and narrowly watched the comte's face, who, as he read it, began to laugh. "What!" he exclaimed, "another maid of honor? Are all the maids of honor in France, then, under his protec- tion?" Malicorne bowed. "Why does he not come himself?" he inquired. "He is confined to his bed." "The deuce! he has no money, then, I suppose?" said De Guiche, shrugging his shoulders. "What does he do with his money?" Malicorne made a movement to indicate that upon this subject he was as ignorant as the comte himself. "Why does he not make use of his credit, then?" con- tinued De Guiche. "With regard to that, I think " "What?" "That Manicamp has credit with no one but yourself, Monsieur le Comte." "He will not be at Havre, then?" Whereupon Malicorne made another movement. "But every one will be there."
