The prince knew
well how to soothe the self-love of his old huntsmen by giving them
the most arduous part of the work, and also that of the Englishman,
whom he employed at his own speciality, affording him a chance to show
the fleetness of his horses and dogs in the open. The two national
systems were thus face to face and allowed to do their best under each
other's eyes.
"Does monseigneur wish us to wait any longer?" said La Roulie,
respectfully.
"I know what you mean, old friend," said the prince. "It is late,
but--"
"Here come the ladies," said the second whipper-in.
At that moment the cavalcade of sixteen riders was seen to approach at
the head of which were the green veils of the four ladies. Modeste,
accompanied by her father, the grand equerry, and La Briere, was in
the advance, beside the Duchesse de Maufrigneuse whom the Vicomte de
Serizy escorted. Behind them rode the Duchesse de Chaulieu, flanked by
Canalis, on whom she was smiling without a trace of rancor. When they
had reached the open space where the huntsmen with their red coats and
brass bugles, surrounded by the hounds, made a picture worthy of Van
der Meulen, the Duchesse de Chaulieu, who, in spite of her embonpoint,
sat her horse admirably, rode up to Modeste, finding it more for her
dignity not to avoid that young person, to whom the evening before she
had not said a single word.
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