Page:Francesca Carrara 1.pdf/126

122 His adventures, whether of love or war, seem like the old Provençal ballads; my only marvel is, where in these days he finds his romantic matériel."

"In himself," returned Marie; "but I do wonder you can mention him with the Duc de Candale—there is le vrai héros de roman. I admire him, if it were only for his spirited rejection of my cousin Martinozzi's hand."

"She will have cause to thank him," said Mercœur, gravely, "if it be true that it is now asked by the Prince de Conti."

"The Prince de Conti?" exclaimed she, in reply, "impossible! I laugh at the very idea."

"Time will show," said the Duchesse, evidently wishing to change the conversation. "De Joinville tells me"

"It is quite singular," interrupted her husband, "I seem never to hear a piece of news but it is prefaced with 'De Joinville tells me!'"

"Well," continued Madame de Mercœur, "his present intelligence is, that the colours of the Duc de Guise are blue and white, those of the Duc de Candale green and white; but that those worn by his Majesty remain a profound secret."

"Ah!" exclaimed Marie, brightening up from