You have hit upon the word, 'La Valliere.'" "A grand discovery indeed." "Montalais and La Valliere, these, then, are the two young girls in whom you interest yourself," said Saint-Aignan, laughing.
"And so Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente's name is not to be met with in the song ?" "No, indeed." "And are you satisfied, then ?" "Perfectly; but I find Montalais there," said Saint-Aignan, still laughing.
"Oh! you will find her everywhere.

She is a singularly active young lady." "You know her ?" "Indirectly.

She was the _protegee_ of a man named Malicorne, who is a _protegee_ of Manicamp's; Manicamp asked me to get the situation of maid of honor for Montalais in Madame's household, and a situation for Malicorne as an officer in Monsieur's household.

Well, I asked for the appointments, for you know very well that I have a weakness for that droll fellow Manicamp." "And you obtained what you sought ?" "For Montalais, yes; for Malicorne, yes and no; for as yet he is only on trial.

Do you wish to know anything else ?" "The last word of the couplet still remains, La Valliere," said Saint-Aignan, resuming the smile that so tormented Guiche.
"Well," said the latter, "it is true that I obtained admission for her in Madame's household." "Ah!" said Saint-Aignan.
"But," continued Guiche, assuming a great coldness of manner, "you will oblige me, comte, not to jest about that name.