not to speak to me; I implore her to treat me harshly,--though I
hardly dare ask her to feign a jealous anger, which would help my
interests amazingly. Go, I will wait here for an answer."



CHAPTER XXVIII

MODESTE BEHAVES WITH DIGNITY

On re-entering the salon Ernest de La Briere found a young officer of
the company of the guard d'Havre, the Vicomte de Serizy, who had just
arrived from Rosny to announce that _Madame_ was obliged to be present
at the opening of the Chambers. We know the importance then attached
to this constitutional solemnity, at which Charles X. delivered his
speech, surrounded by the royal family,--Madame la Dauphine and _Madame_
being present in their gallery. The choice of the emissary charged
with the duty of expressing the princess's regrets was an attention to
Diane, who was then an object of adoration to this charming young man,
son of a minister of state, gentleman in ordinary of the chamber, only
son and heir to an immense fortune. The Duchesse de Maufrigneuse
permitted his attentions solely for the purpose of attracting notice
to the age of his mother, Madame de Serizy, who was said, in those
chronicles that are whispered behind the fans, to have deprived her of
the heart of the handsome Lucien de Rubempre.

"You will do us the pleasure, I hope, to remain at Rosembray," said
the severe duchess to the young officer.

While giving ear to every scandal, the devout lady shut her eyes to