"Perhaps he will never find another opportunity to pay his court to
you."
"Whew, that is straightforward bluntness for you!" thought Maurice.
Esperance grew red. The recollection of what had happened began to
come back little by little. She closed her eyes to be able to think
more clearly. Albert left her in her silence a minute, then he said,
"We had planned to carry you away to-day, but you heard what the
Duchess said just now. I feel bound by the confidence of that old
friend to remain. My fate is in your pretty hands. Be circumspect with
the Duke. Frank, and loyal with your fiance."
And he took her hands, in a long kiss.
The coachman was told to turn around, for it was getting late. The
horses set off at a trot.
Nothing more was said between them, about the Duke.
After dinner, the Duke arose, and announced, "The fete will be the day
after to-morrow. We have only rehearsed once, and then, not in full. I
feel somewhat responsible for the exhaustion of our little star. Her
head, hanging down, was so beautiful, that I thought only of the pose,
without realizing how painful it must have become to the artist. I ask
Mile. Darbois' pardon. Also, I should like another stage director. I
propose M. Maurice Renaud, our ingenious collaborator, to whom we owe
our magnificent costumes, and originality of our decorations."
Everyone applauded, and Maurice was proclaimed director of the fete.
"I thank you, and accept", he said simply.
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