My advent was like a cloud that foretells a storm, and drove Mesdemoiselles away, when they had accorded me a greeting that contained scant graciousness.
All unruffled by this act, from which I gathered that Yvonne the strong had tutored Genevieve the frail concerning me, I consigned my horse to a groom of the chateau, and linked arms with Andrea.
"Well, boy," quoth I, "what progress ?" He smiled radiantly.
"My hopes are all surpassed.

It exceeds belief that so poor a thing as I should find favour in her eyes--what eyes, Gaston!" He broke off with a sigh of rapture.
"Peste, you have lost no time.

And so, already you know that you find favour, eh! How know you that ?" "How?
Need a man be told such things?
There is an inexpressible--" "My good Andrea, seek not to express it, therefore," I interrupted hastily.

"Let it suffice that the inexpressible exists, and makes you happy.

His Eminence will doubtless share your joy! Have you written to him ?" The mirth faded from the lad's face at the words, as the blossom fades 'neath the blighting touch of frost.