TEN TEARS LATER. 45 sienr continued rouging himself, and when he had finished looked at the portrait again, once more turned to admire himself in the glass, and smiled, and no doubt was satisfied with the comparison. "You are very kind to have come," he said to Guiche, "I feared you would leave without bid- ding me adieu." "Your highness knows me too well to believe me capable of so great a disrespect." "Besides, I suppose you have something to ask from me before leaving Paris?" "Your highness has indeed guessed correctly, for I have a request to make." "Very good, what is it?" The Chevalier de Lorraine immediately displayed the greatest attention, for he regarded every favor conferred upon another as a robbery committed against himself. And, as Guiche hesitated, the prince said: "If it be money, nothing could be more fortunate, for I am in funds; the surintendant of the finances has sent me five hundred thousand pistoles." "I thank your highness; but it is not an affair of money." "What is it, then? Tell me." "The appointment of a maid of honor." "Oh! oh! Guiche, what a protector you have become of young ladies," said the prince; "you never speak of any one else now." The Chevalier de Lorraine smiled, for he knew very well that nothing displeased the prince more than to show any interest in ladies, "My lord," said the comte, "it is not I who am directly interested in the lady of whom I have just spoken; I am acting on behalf of one of my friends." "Ah! that is different. AVhat is the name of the young lady in whom your friend is interested?" "Mademoiselle de la Baume le Blanc de la Valliere; she is already maid of honor to the dowager princess." "Why, she is lame," said the Chevalier de Lorraine, stretching himself on his cushions. "Lame," repeated the prince, "and madame to have her constantly before her eyes? Most certainly not; it may be dangerous for her when in an interesting condition." The Chevalier de Lorraine burst out laughing. "Chevalier," said Guiche, "your conduct is ungenerous; while I am soliciting a favor, you do me all the mischief you can." "Forgive me, comte," said the Chevalier de Lorraine,
