exclaimed the prince, "you have plenty
of time; look at me attentively, and try to recollect Madame. Besides,
her portrait is here. Look at it." And he held out to him a miniature of
the finest possible execution. De Guiche took it, and looked at it for a
long time attentively.

"Upon my honor, my lord, this is indeed a most lovely face."

"But look at me, count, look at me," said the prince endeavoring to
direct upon himself the attention of the count, who was completely
absorbed in contemplation of the portrait.

"It is wonderful," murmured Guiche.

"Really one would almost imagine you had never seen the young lady
before."

"It is true, my lord, I have seen her, but it was five years ago; there
is a great difference between a child twelve years old and a girl of
seventeen."

"Well, what is your opinion?"

"My opinion is that the portrait must be flattering, my lord."

"Of that," said the prince triumphantly, "there can be no doubt, but let
us suppose that it is not, what would your opinion be?"

"My lord, that your highness is exceedingly happy to have so charming a
bride."

"Very well, that is your opinion of her, but of me?"

"My opinion, my lord, is that you are too handsome for a man."

The Chevalier de Lorraine burst out laughing. The prince understood how
severe towards himself this opinion of the Comte de Guiche was, and he
looked somewhat displeased, saying, "My friends are not over indulgent."
De Guiche looked at the portrait again, and, after lengthened
contemplation, returned it with apparent unwillingness, saying, "Most
decidedly, my lord, I should rather prefer to look ten times at your
highness, than to look at Madame once again." It seemed as if the
chevalier had detected some mystery in these words, which were
incomprehensible to the prince, for he exclaimed: "Very well, get
married yourself." Monsieur continued painting himself, and when he
had finished, looked at the portrait again once more, turned to admire
himself in the glass, and smiled, and no doubt was satisfied with the
comparison. "You are very kind to have come," he said to Guiche, "I
feared you would leave without bidding me adieu."

"Your highness knows me too well to believe me capable of so great a
disrespect."

"Besides, I suppose you have something to ask from me before leaving
Paris?"

"Your highness has indeed guessed correctly, for I have a request to
make."

"Very good, what is it?"

The Chevalier de Lorr