"He invite them?" said Eleonore.

"I mean, of course, the duchess; she is always engaged in pious works
with Mademoiselle d'Herouville; give that old maid a hint, and get her
to speak to Gaspard."

"You are a love of a man," cried Eleonore; "I'll write to the old maid
and to Diane at once, for we must get hunting things made,--a riding
hat is so becoming. Did you win last night at the English embassy?"

"Yes," said the duke; "I cleared myself."

"Henri, above all things, stop proceedings about Melchior's two
appointments."

After writing half a dozen lines to the beautiful Diane de
Maufrigneuse, and a short hint to Mademoiselle d'Herouville, Eleonore
sent the following answer like the lash of a whip through the poet's
lies.

To Monsieur le Baron de Canalis:--

My dear poet,--Mademoiselle de La Bastie is very beautiful;
Mongenod has proved to me that her father has millions. I did
think of marrying you to her; I am therefore much displeased at
your want of confidence. If you had any intention of marrying La
Briere when you went to Havre it is surprising that you said
nothing to me about it before you started. And why have you
omitted writing to a friend who is so easily made anxious as I?