Andrea de Mancini?" came Yvonne's voice in answer. "Surely a relative
of the Lord Cardinal?"
"His nephew, Mademoiselle."
"Ah! My father, sir, is a great admirer of your uncle."
From the half-caressing tone, as much as from the very words she uttered, I
inferred that she was in ignorance of the compact into which his Eminence
had entered with her father--a bargain whereof she was herself a part.
"I am rejoiced, indeed, Mademoiselle," replied Andrea with a bow, as though
the compliment had been paid to him. "Am I indiscreet in asking the name
of Monsieur your father?"
"Indiscreet! Nay, Monsieur. You have a right to learn the name of those
who are under an obligation to you. My father is the Chevalier de
Canaples, of whom it is possible that you may have heard. I am Yvonne de
Canaples, of whom it is unlikely that you should have heard, and this is my
sister Genevi?ve, whom a like obscurity envelops."
The boy's lips moved, but no sound came from them, whilst his cheeks went
white and red by turns. His courtliness of a moment ago had vanished, and
he stood sheepish and gauche as a clown.
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