gold bees which you bear on yours, to the great despair of Madame
Chatelet, nee Negrepelisse d'Espard," said Lucien quickly.

"Since you recognize me, I cannot puzzle you; and I could never tell
you how much you puzzle me," said the Marquise d'Espard, amazed at the
coolness and impertinence to which the man had risen whom she had
formerly despised.

"Then allow me, madame, to preserve my only chance of occupying your
thoughts by remaining in that mysterious twilight," said he, with the
smile of a man who does not wish to risk assured happiness.

"I congratulate you on your changed fortunes," said the Comte du
Chatelet to Lucien.

"I take it as you offer it," replied Lucien, bowing with much grace to
the Marquise.

"What a coxcomb!" said the Count in an undertone to Madame d'Espard.
"He has succeeded in winning an ancestry."

"With these young men such coxcombry, when it is addressed to us,
almost always implies some success in high places," said the lady;
"for with you older men it means ill-fortune. And I should very much
like to know which of my grand lady friends has taken this fine bird
under her patronage; then I might find the means of amusing myself
this evening. My ticket, anonymously sent, is no doubt a bit of
mischief planned by a rival and having something to do with this young
man. His impertinence is to order; keep an eye on him. I will take the
Duc de Navarrein's arm. You will be able to find me again."