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CHAPTER XXVI
TRUE LOVE
The hunt was destined to be not only a meet of the hounds, but a
meeting of all the passions excited by the colonel's millions and
Modeste's beauty; and while it was in prospect there was truce between
the adversaries. During the days required for the arrangement of this
forestrial solemnity, the salon of the villa Mignon presented the
tranquil picture of a united family. Canalis, cut short in his role of
injured love by Modeste's quick perceptions, wished to appear
courteous; he laid aside his pretensions, gave no further specimens of
his oratory, and became, what all men of intellect can be when they
renounce affectation, perfectly charming. He talked finances with
Gobenheim, and war with the colonel, Germany with Madame Mignon, and
housekeeping with Madame Latournelle,--endeavoring to bias them all in
favor of La Briere. The Duc d'Herouville left the field to his rivals,
for he was obliged to go to Rosembray to consult with the Duc de
Verneuil, and see that the orders of the Royal Huntsman, the Prince de
Cadignan, were carried out.
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