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She is not only my favorite attendant, but the daughter of your majesty's minister of war, and " "And she is, above all things, herself the beautiful Marchioness de Bonaletta," interrupted the king, with somewhat of his youthful courtliness and grace. "You propose her as your substitute, do you not?" "Yes, sire if your majesty is so good." "So good!
His senses reeled his heart seemed to freeze within him. He thought he comprehended; and yet "Who? Who is gone? Oh, duchess, be merciful; what mean these words of mystery?" The duchess eyed him scornfully. "Base seducer, dare you question me? Do you strive to delude me into believing that you do not know of whom I speak? I demand of you at once the person of the Marchioness de Bonaletta!"
At first, he fixed his eyes upon the walk by which she must return; then he turned away, that he might wait until he heard her dear voice. At last a light step approached the pavilion; he heard it coming up the steps, and a beloved voice spoke: "The Marchioness de Bonaletta."
"You are so very emphatic that I infer you have something else to say, after all. Am I right?" "You are." "Well, you may speak. But first, allow me to ask how you happen to be her highness's messenger? Was it by way of sympathizing with the Marchioness de Bonaletta, that you took service with her mistress?"
"Nonsense!" said Barbesieur, with a coarse laugh; "no man that has money loses reputation. Poverty is the only crime that the world cannot pardon, and you, thanks to the Marchioness Bonaletta, have just inherited a fortune." Louvois shuddered. "A fortune through the murder of my child!" "For which we are not accountable," said Barbesieur, carelessly.
"I was standing with my nurse on a balcony of Bonaletta Castle, and she was making wreaths of pomegranate and orange from the blossoms I plucked. Meanwhile she was telling me a tale about some enchanted princess, to which I was listening with my whole heart.
I shall esteem myself most happy in the acquisition of so charming a partner. Does the Marchioness de Bonaletta consent?" With these words, Louis offered his hand; and Laura, without embarrassment or presumption, accepted the honor conferred upon her, and was led out to the dance. A murmur of admiration followed her appearance, but she seemed quite unconscious of the impression she had made.
I was close at hand, waiting with horses for Strozzi, who was to seize Laura, and make all speed for Italy. I waited so long, that at last I ventured to creep up to the house, and there I learned how Strozzi had stabbed Laura, and Eugene had shot Strozzi. As soon as I found out that all had gone awry, I galloped off to Bonaletta, to get my share of Strozzi's and Laura's property.
"And then?" said Victorine, coaxingly. Laura was silent for a while; then, putting her arms around Victorine's neck, she drew the young girl's head upon her bosom. "Try to find out where Prince Eugene is staying, and go to him. Say that you come from the Marchioness Bonaletta, and you will be admitted to his presence. Now tell him word for word what I shall say to you.
"Your liberality is really touching. A thousand ducats to boot! They will fall like a refreshing shower into a purse that is always as empty as the sieves of the Danaides. It is a bargain. YOU wed Laura Bonaletta, and I get her estates, and one thousand ducats a year." "Here is my hand." "And mine. In one month you shall both be on your way to Venice; you a happy bridegroom, and she your bride."
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