written him. No doubt they were dictated by the aunt for the express
purpose of their reaching you, for Mademoiselle d'Herouville, always
on the scent of a 'dot,' knows that Grandlieu and I play whist nearly
every evening. That good little d'Herouville wants the Prince de
Cadignan to go down and give a royal hunt in Normandy, and endeavor to
persuade the king to be present, so as to turn the head of the damozel
when she sees herself the object of such a grand affair. In short, two
words from Charles X. would settle the matter. D'Herouville says the
girl has incomparable beauty--"

"Henri, let us go to Havre!" cried the duchess, interrupting him.

"Under what pretext?" said her husband, gravely; he was one of the
confidants of Louis XVIII.

"I never saw a hunt."

"It would be all very well if the king went; but it is a terrible bore
to go so far, and he will not do it; I have just been speaking with
him about it."

"Perhaps _Madame_ would go?"

"That would be better," returned the duke, "I dare say the Duchesse de
Maufrigneuse would help you to persuade her from Rosny. If she goes
the king will not be displeased at the use of his hunting equipage.
Don't go to Havre, my dear," added the duke, paternally, "that would
be giving yourself away. Come, here's a better plan, I think.
Gaspard's chateau of Rosembray is on the other side of the forest of
Brotonne; why not give him a hint to invite the whole party?"