Advice like this resulted in De Guiche becoming excited to such an extent that he committed extravagances where Buckingham only incurred expenses.The rumor of this extravagant profuseness delighted the hearts of all the shopkeepers in Paris, from the hotel of the Duke of Buckingham to that of the Comte de Grammont nothing but miracles was attempted.While all this was going on, Madame was resting herself, and Bragelonne was engaged in writing to Mademoiselle de la Valliere.He had already dispatched four letters, and not an answer to any one of them had been received, when, on the very morning fixed for the marriage ceremony, which was to take place in the chapel at the Palais-Royal, Raoul, who was dressing, heard his valet announce M.de Malicorne."What can this Malicorne want with me?" thought Raoul; and then said to his valet, "Let him wait.""It is a gentleman from Blois," said the valet.
"Admit him at once," said Raoul, eagerly.
Malicorne entered as brilliant as a star, and wearing a superb sword at his side.After having saluted Raoul most gracefully, he said: "M.de Bragelonne, I am the bearer of a thousand compliments from a lady to you."Raoul colored."From a lady," said he, "from a lady of Blois?""Yes, monsieur; from Mademoiselle de Montalais.""Thank you, monsieur; I recollect you now," said Raoul."And what does Mademoiselle de Montalais require of me?"Malicorne drew four letters from his pocket, which he offered to Raoul.
"My own letters, is it possible?" he said, turning pale; "my letters, and the seals unbroken?""Monsieur, your letters did not find at Blois the person to whom they were addressed, and so they are now returned to you.""Mademoiselle de la Valliere has left Blois, then?"exclaimed Raoul.
"Eight days ago."
"Where is she, then?"
"In Paris."
"How was it known that these letters were from me?""Mademoiselle de Montalais recognized your handwriting and your seal," said Malicorne.
Raoul colored and smiled."Mademoiselle de Montalais is exceedingly amiable," he said; "she is always kind and charming.""Always, monsieur."
"Surely she could give me some precise information about Mademoiselle de la Valliere.I never could find her in this immense city."Malicorne drew another packet from his pocket.
"You may possibly find in this letter what you are anxious to learn."Raoul hurriedly broke the seal.The writing was that of Mademoiselle Aure, and inclosed were these words: -- "Paris, Palais-Royal.The day of the nuptial blessing.""What does this mean?" inquired Raoul of Malicorne; "you probably know.""I do, monsieur."
"For pity's sake, tell me, then."
"Impossible, monsieur."
"Why so?"
"Because Mademoiselle Aure has forbidden me to do so."Raoul looked at his strange visitor, and remained silent; --"At least, tell me whether it is fortunate or unfortunate.""That you will see."
"You are very severe in your reservations.""Will you grant me a favor, monsieur?" said Malicorne.
"In exchange for that you refuse me?"
"Precisely."
"What is it?"
"I have the greatest desire to see the ceremony, and I have no ticket to admit me, in spite of all the steps I have taken to secure one.Could you get me admitted ""Certainly."
"Do me this kindness, then, I entreat."
"Most willingly, monsieur; come with me.""I am exceedingly indebted to you, monsieur," said Malicorne.
"I thought you were a friend of M.de Manicamp.""I am, monsieur; but this morning I was with him as he was dressing, and I let a bottle of blacking fall over his new dress, and he flew at me sword in hand, so that I was obliged to make my escape.That is the reason I could not ask him for a ticket.He wanted to kill me.""I can well believe it," laughed Raoul."I know Manicamp is capable of killing a man who has been unfortunate enough to commit the crime you have to reproach yourself with, but Iwill repair the mischief as far as you are concerned.I will but fasten my cloak, and shall then be ready to serve you, not only as a guide, but as your introducer, too."
