"But how old is he, pray?"
"Oh, some fifty-five or six years."
"And you, count?"
"About the same age; but he is so used up."
"I begin to understand, and to recognize your fine hand. I knew that you were above mere vulgar sentiment, and that yonder child's fascinations did not constitute the attraction for you."
"Fie, madame! I have never even thought of them; if she had been ugly it would have been all the same; she happens to be pretty, so much the better."
"Oh, that's all right, count, otherwise I should despair of you."
"And now that you have found me, madame, will you deign to inform me—"
"Oh, it is simply that I am indulging in some beautiful dreams for you," the duchess interposed. "Where I would like to see you, D'Orbec, do you know, is in Poyet's place, for I detest him," she added, with a malevolent glance at the chancellor, who was still walking with the constable.
"What, madame, one of the most exalted posts in the realm?"