of England, ever return to the throne of his
fathers he may also become my brother-in-law. I am likely to become well
connected, De Luynes, so make a friend of me whilst I am humble. So much
for Mazarin's nieces. His nephews are too young for alliances just yet,
saving myself; and for me his Eminence has chosen one of the greatest
heiresses in France--Yvonne St. Albaret de Canaples."
"Whom?" I shouted.
He smiled.
"Curious, is it not? She is the sister of the man whom I quarrelled with
this morning, and whom you fought with this afternoon. Now you will
understand my uncle's reasons for so strenuously desiring to prevent the
duel at St. Germain. It appears that the old Chevalier de Canaples is as
eager as the Cardinal to see his daughter wed to me, for his Eminence has
promised to create me Duke for a wedding gift. 'T will cost him little,
and 't will please these Canaples mightily. Naturally, had Eug?ne de
Canaples and I crossed swords, matters would have been rendered difficult."
"When did you learn all this?" I inquired.
"To-day, after the duel, and when it was known what St.
Pages:
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69