He had not long to wait; for De Wardes, freed from his questioners, approached De Guiche, and after a fresh salutation, they walked side by side together.
"You have made a good impression since your return, my dear De Wardes," said the comte.
"Excellent, as you see." "And your spirits are just as lively as ever ?" "Better." "And a very great happiness, too." "Why not?
Everything is so ridiculous in this world, everything so absurd around us." "You are right." "You are of my opinion, then ?" "I should think so! And what news do you bring us from yonder ?" "I?
None at all.

I have come to look for news here." "But, tell me, you surely must have seen some people at Boulogne, one of our friends, for instance; it is no great time ago." "Some people--one of our friends--" "Your memory is short." "Ah! true; Bragelonne, you mean." "Exactly so." "Who was on his way to fulfil a mission, with which he was intrusted to King Charles II." "Precisely.

Well, then, did he not tell you, or did not you tell him--" "I do not precisely know what I told him, I must confess: but I do know what I did _not_ tell him." De Wardes was _finesse_ itself.

He perfectly well knew from De Guiche's tone and manner, which was cold and dignified, that the conversation was about to assume a disagreeable turn.

He resolved to let it take what course it pleased, and to keep strictly on his guard.
"May I ask you what you did not tell him ?" inquired De Guiche.
"All about La Valliere." "La Valliere...