[Ten Years Later by Alexandre Dumas Pere]@TWC D-Link book
Ten Years Later

CHAPTER VII
5/9

The brilliant display of horses, arms, and rich liveries, afforded some compensation in those times, thanks to the kindly feelings of the people, and to the traditions of deep devotion to their sovereigns, for the enormous expenses charged upon the taxes.
Mazarin had said: "Let them sing, provided they pay;" while Louis XIV.'s remark was, "Let them look." Sight had replaced the voice; the people could still look but they were no longer allowed to sing.

De Guiche left De Wardes and Malicorne at the bottom of the grand staircase, while he himself, who shared the favor and good graces of Monsieur with the Chevalier de Lorraine, who always smiled at him most affectionately, though he could not endure him, went straight to the prince's apartments, whom he found engaged in admiring himself in the glass, and rouging his face.

In a corner of the cabinet, the Chevalier de Lorraine was extended full length upon some cushions, having just had his long hair curled, with which he was playing in the same manner a woman would have done.

The prince turned round as the count entered, and perceiving who it was, said: "Ah! is that you, De Guiche; come here and tell me the truth." "You know, my lord, it is one of my defects to speak the truth." "You will hardly believe, De Guiche, how that wicked chevalier has annoyed me." The chevalier shrugged his shoulders.
"Why, he pretends," continued the prince, "that Mademoiselle Henrietta is better looking as a woman than I am as a man." "Do not forget, my lord," said De Guiche, frowning slightly, "you require me to speak the truth." "Certainly," said the prince, tremblingly.
"Well, and I shall tell it you." "Do not be in a hurry, Guiche," exclaimed the prince, "you have plenty of time; look at me attentively, and try to recollect Madame.

Besides, her portrait is here.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books