This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1899. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELONNE. CHAPTER L SHOWING WHAT NEITHER THE NAIAD NOR THE DRYAD HAD ANTICIPATED. De Saint-aignan stopped at the foot of the staircase which led to the entresol, where the maids of honor resided, and to the first floor, where Madaiue's apartments were situated. Then, by a valet who was passing, he sent to summon Malicorne, who was still with Monsieur. After having waited ten minutes, Malicorne arrived, looking very suspicious and important. The king drew back towards the darkest part of the vestibule. De Saint-Aignan, on the contrary, advanced to meet Malicorne; but at the first words indicating his wish that person drew back abruptly. "Oh !" he said, "you want me to introduce you into the rooms of the maids of honor 1" "Yes." "You know very well that I cannot do anything of the kind, without being made acquainted with your object." "Unfortunately, my dear M. Malicorne, it is quite impossible for me to give you any explanation; you must therefore confide in me as in a friend who got you out of a great difficulty yesterday, and who now begs you to extricate him from one to-day." Vol. m— 1 "Yet I told you, Monsieur, what I wanted, — that I did not wish to sleep in the open air, — and any honest man might express the same wish; while you, on the contrary, admit nothing." "Believe me, my dear M. Malicorne," De Saint Aignan persisted, " that if I were permitted to explain myself, I would do so." "In that case, my dear Monsieur, it is impossible for me to allow you to enter Mademoiselle de Montalais' apartment." "Why so?" "You know why better than any one else, since yon caught me on the wall paying my addresses to Mademoiselle de Montalais; it would therefore be an excess of kindness on my part, you will admit, w...
