Esperance and
Genevieve both grew pale. The young painter raised his head, ready for
some sort of a return reply. Without hesitation he had decided on the
plan to follow. He must not only be invited to the fete, which would
be easy enough; he must take part in it, so as to be able to shadow
and watch the manoeuvres of the over agreeable Duke.
"If you will allow me, Madame," he said boldly, "I should like to
contribute my mite to your fete by painting the scenery?"
The Princess clapped her hands with delight at the suggestion and this
new support.
"How pleased my cousin de Morlay will be," she exclaimed. "He has just
been saying to me, 'For the scenery we shall require a painter, a real
artist.'"
"A professional," said Maurice, bowing ironically.
The Princess was somewhat provoked, but she appeared not to notice the
rather pointed remark.
"You might also design the costumes for the tableaux vivants," she
continued.
"My cousin," exclaimed Esperance, "has a great gift for arrangement
and composition. You will be able to judge for yourself soon; I will
show you how beautifully he has painted my portrait."
"True. May we see it now?"
This made a welcome change for the four young people. They all went
towards the "Five Divisions of the World." The Duchess stopped every
now and then on the way to admire the sea and the luminous quality of
the air. She was really amazed when she was shown the picture.
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