The young man was very perceptibly in a bad humor; with Benvenuto, who had given him such a strange commission to fulfil; with himself, for his inability to take advantage of his opportunity; but most of all with Dame Perrine, who was cruel enough to make him leave the room just when Colombe's eyes seemed to bid him remain.
So it was that, when the duenna inquired as to the purpose of his visit, Ascanio replied in a most deliberate manner, determined to be revenged upon her for his own bungling:—
"The purpose of my visit, my dear Madame, is to beg you to show me the Hôtel de Nesle from one end to the other."
"Show you the Hôtel de Nesle!" cried Dame Perrine; "why, in Heaven's name, do you desire to see it?"
"To see if it will be convenient for us, if we shall be comfortable here, and if it is worth while for us to leave our present quarters to come and live here."
"What! come and live here! Pray have you hired the hotel of Monsieur le Prévôt?"
"No, but his Majesty gives it to us."
"His Majesty gives it to you!" exclaimed Dame Perrine, more and more amazed.
"Absolutely," replied Ascanio.
"To you?"