"But a diamond of that size would be worth some two hundred thousand crowns, madame."
"Very well, we will reflect thereon. But," added the duchess, lowering her voice, "confer a favor upon me, Ascanio."
"I am at your service, madame."
"A moment since, while listening to Marot's insipid trash, I spied Comte d'Orbec at the other end of the room. Find him out, if you please, and say to him that I would speak with him."
"What, madame!" exclaimed Ascanio, turning pale at the count's name.
"Did you not say that you were at my service?" continued Madame d'Etampes haughtily. "Moreover, my reason for asking you to undertake this commission is that you are interested in the subject of the conversation I wish to have with Comte d'Orbec, and it may well give you food for reflection, if they who are in love do ever reflect."
"I will obey you, madame," said Ascanio, apprehensive lest he should displease her at whose hands he hoped to obtain salvation.
"Very good. Pray address the count in Italian,—I have my reasons for requesting you to do so,—and return to me with him."
Ascanio, to avoid the danger of any further collision with his redoubtable foe, walked away, and asked a young nobleman wearing a lilac favor if he had seen Comte d'Orbec, and where he was.
"There he is," was the reply, "that old ape whispering with the Provost of Paris, and standing so near that lovely girl."