The eagerness with which La Briere had met the
father, and the flattery of his attention to the family pride of the
ex-merchant, showed Canalis his own maladroitness, and determined him
to select a special role. The great poet resolved to pretend
indifference, though all the while displaying his seductive powers; to
appear to disdain the young lady, and thus pique her self-love.
Trained by the handsome Duchesse de Chaulieu, he was bound to be
worthy of his reputation as a man who knew women, when, in fact, he
did not know them at all,--which is often the case with those who are
the happy victims of an exclusive passion. While poor Ernest, gloomily
ensconced in his corner of the caleche, gave way to the terrors of
genuine love, and foresaw instinctively the anger, contempt, and
disdain of an injured and offended young girl, Canalis was preparing
himself, not less silently, like an actor making ready for an
important part in a new play; certainly neither of them presented the
appearance of a happy man. Important interests were involved for
Canalis. The mere suggestion of his desire to marry would bring about
a rupture of the tie which had bound him for the last ten years to the
Duchesse de Chaulieu.
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