"Your enthusiasm determines me," quoth I, with an irony that made him
wince. "And we will follow the plan, since you agree with me touching its
excellence. But keep the matter to yourself until an hour or so after
sunset."
He bowed, so utterly my dupe that I could have laughed at him. Then--
"There is a little matter that I would mention," he said. "Mademoiselle de
Canaples has expressed a wish to accompany her father to Paris and has
asked me whether this will be permitted her."
My heart leaped. Surely the gods fought on my side!
"I cannot permit it," I answered icily.
"Monsieur, you are pitiless," he protested in a tone of indignation for
which I would gladly have embraced him.
I feigned to ponder.
"The matter needs consideration. Tell Mademoiselle that I will discuss it
with her at noon, if she will condescend to await me on the terrace; I will
then give her my definite reply. And now, Lieutenant, let us breakfast."
As completely as I had duped Montr?sor did I presently dupe those of the
troopers with whom I came in contact, among others the sergeant--and anon
the Chevalier himself.
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