Maitre Bilot, having finished his little performance, was about to
withdraw, when a significant glance from the duke made him pause
respectfully on the threshold.
"Maitre Bilot," said he, "fetch a glass for yourself from the buffet
there, and come and drink a bumper of this capital wine to my health."
This command, for such it was in reality, was instantly obeyed, and
after emptying his glass at a single draught, the well-pleased landlord
stood, with one hand resting on the table and his eyes fixed on the
duke, waiting to see, what was wanted of him.
"Have you many strangers in your house now?" asked Vallombreuse, "and
who and what are they?" Bilot was about to reply, but the young duke
interrupted him, and continued, "But what's the use of beating about the
bush with such a wily old miscreant as you are, Maitre Bilot? Who is
the lady that has the room with a window, the third one from the corner,
looking into my garden? Answer to the point, and you shall have a gold
piece for every syllable."
"Under those conditions," said Bilot, with a broad grin, "one must be
very virtuous indeed to make use of the laconic style so highly esteemed
by the ancients. However, as I am devoted to your lordship, I will
answer in a single word--Isabelle.
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