When the Master of the Hunt finished his compliments to the ladies on
their amazing punctuality, Eleonore deigned to observe the magnificent
whip which sparked in Modeste's little hand, and graciously asked
leave to look at it.
"I have never seen anything of the kind more beautiful," she said,
showing it to Diane de Maufrigneuse. "It is in keeping with its
possessor," she added, returning it to Modeste.
"You must admit, Madame la duchesse," answered Mademoiselle de La
Bastie, with a tender and malicious glance at La Briere, "that it is a
rather strange gift from the hand of a future husband."
"I should take it," said Madame de Maufrigneuse, "as a declaration of
my rights, in remembrance of Louis XIV."
La Briere's eyes were suffused, and for a moment he dropped his reins;
but a second glance from Modeste ordered him not to betray his
happiness. The hunt now began.
The Duc d'Herouville took occasion to say in a low voice to his
fortunate rival; "Monsieur, I hope that you will make your wife happy;
if I can be useful to you in any way, command my services; I should be
only too glad to contribute to the happiness of so charming a pair.
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