TEN YEAES LATER. 37 courage, and not altogether deficient in ability; but my name is Malicorne simply." "You appear to me, monsieur," exclaimed the comte, looking at the astute face of his companion, "to be a most agreeable man. Your face pleases me. Monsieur Malicorne; and you must possess some indisputably excellent qualities to have pleased that egotistical Manicamp. Be candid, and tell me whether you are not some saint descended upon the earth." "Why so?" "For the simple reason that he makes you a present of anything. Did you not say that he intended to make you a present of some appointment in the king's household?" "I beg your pardon, comte; but, if I succeed in obtaining the appointment, you, and not he, will have bestowed it on me." "Besides, he will hot have given it to you for nothing, I supijose. Stay, I have it; there is a Malicorne at Orleans who lends money to the prince." "I think that must be my father, monsieur." "All! the prince has the father, and that terrible devourer of a Manicamp has the son. Take care, monsieur; I know him. He will fleece you completely." "The only difference is, that I lend without interest," said Malicorne, smiling. "I was correct in saying you were either a saint or very much resembled one. Monsieur Malicorne, you shall have the post you want, or I will forfeit my name." "Ah! Monsieur le Comte, what a debt of gratitude shall I not owe you!" said Malicorne, transported. "Let us go to the prince, my dear Monsieur Malicorne." And De Guiche proceeded toward the door, desiring Mali- corne to follow him. At the very moment they were about to cross the threshold a young man appeared on the other side. He was from twenty-four to twenty-five years of age, of pale complexion, bright eyes, and brown hair and eye- brows. "Good-day!" he said suddenly, almost pushing De Guiche back into the courtyard again. "Is that you, De Wardes? What! and booted, spurred, and whip in hand, too?" "The most befitting costume for a man about to set off for Havre. There will be no one left in Paris to-morrow." And hereupon he saluted Malicorne with great ceremony, whose handsome dress gave him the appearance of a prince in rank.
