Part 26 (2/2)

This was a great delight to the two kindly disposed women, but the young girl's heart was torn because her fiance would not see! It is true that his letter ended with the words, ”I agree with both hands to whatever Esperance shall decide,” so that little choice was left.

The garden party was to be the twentieth of September. It was then the end of August.

”And of what nature is to be the modest contribution I can make to your fete?” asked Esperance, half humorously.

”Modest! Of course you will be the princ.i.p.al attraction. My guests, knowing that they will see you for the last time before Count Styvens carries his little idol away from the public....”

Esperance was saying to herself, ”so this cultivated, broad-minded lady thinks just as the others do.”

The Princess continued, ”We want you to play with your fiance the Liszt symphonic poem that you played one evening at the Legation; and to take part in some tableaux vivants that we are all to appear in. The Duke de Morlay-La-Branche is directing and staging this part of the programme. The performance will be given only by people we know--no professionals.”

The Princess had spoken quite quickly, without reflection. She blushed slightly when she remembered Esperance and Jean Perliez, but she had made the mistake and there was no way of calling it back. She thought that Esperance belonged to that circle where a compliment effaces what might seem like an impertinence.

At first the name of the Duke de Morlay had fallen like a pebble in the stream and began to ripple the waters; a spreading circle of thoughts, fears, resentments began to move in every heart. The philosopher himself was troubled, for he had been prompted by Maurice to observe the a.s.siduous attractions of the Duke, and the agitation he caused Esperance whenever they had been together. Esperance and Genevieve both grew pale. The young painter raised his head, ready for some sort of a return reply. Without hesitation he had decided on the plan to follow. He must not only be invited to the fete, which would be easy enough; he must take part in it, so as to be able to shadow and watch the manoeuvres of the over agreeable Duke.

”If you will allow me, Madame,” he said boldly, ”I should like to contribute my mite to your fete by painting the scenery?”

The Princess clapped her hands with delight at the suggestion and this new support.

”How pleased my cousin de Morlay will be,” she exclaimed. ”He has just been saying to me, 'For the scenery we shall require a painter, a real artist.'”

”A professional,” said Maurice, bowing ironically.

The Princess was somewhat provoked, but she appeared not to notice the rather pointed remark.

”You might also design the costumes for the tableaux vivants,” she continued.

”My cousin,” exclaimed Esperance, ”has a great gift for arrangement and composition. You will be able to judge for yourself soon; I will show you how beautifully he has painted my portrait.”

”True. May we see it now?”

This made a welcome change for the four young people. They all went towards the ”Five Divisions of the World.” The d.u.c.h.ess stopped every now and then on the way to admire the sea and the luminous quality of the air. She was really amazed when she was shown the picture. It had been installed in the little court, under a kind of alcove that Maurice had made for it. He had found in his aunt's ”reliquary” some pretty hangings which hid the alcove, and the picture lost nothing by the arrangement of drapery.

”You have indeed a beautiful portrait there,” said the Princess sincerely. ”Every year for his birthday I give my husband some work of art. If you do not find me too unworthy a subject it shall be signed this year, 'Maurice Renaud.'”

The young man bowed. ”I shall be very happy indeed, Madame, and very highly honoured.”

”Then, as our friend and collaborator,” said the d.u.c.h.ess, ”you must, I think, come with us at once so as to be able to get to work with the Duke without delay.”

”Give me time to pack by bag, Madame,” returned the triumphant Maurice, ”and I will join you at the carriage.”

”I will come and help with your packing, cousin. You will excuse me?”

she added turning to the Princess.

And Esperance, followed by Genevieve and Jean Perliez disappeared together.

As soon as she was sure she was out of ear-shot Esperance threw her arms about her cousin's neck. ”You were simply wonderful.”

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