The young duke, by his great wealth, his overweening pride, his
uncommon good looks, and his triumphant success among fair ladies
everywhere, habitually excited much secret jealousy and hatred among
his associates, which not one of them dared to manifest openly--but they
were mightily pleased by his present discomfiture.
It was the first check he had ever experienced, and all those who
had been hurt or offended by his arrogance--and they were legion--now
rejoiced in his mortification. They could not say enough in praise of
his successful antagonist, though they had never seen him, nor had any
idea as to what manner of than he might be. The ladies, who nearly all
had some cause of complaint against the haughty young noble man, as he
was wont to boast loudly of his triumphs, and basely betray the favours
that had been accorded to him in secret, were full of enthusiastic and
tender admiration for this victorious champion of a woman's virtue, who,
they felt, had unconsciously avenged for them many scornful slights, and
they would have gladly crowned him with laurel and myrtle, and rewarded
him with their sweetest smiles and most distinguished favour.
However, as nothing on this terraqueous and sublunary globe can long
remain a secret, it soon transpired through Maitre Bilot, who had it
direct from Jacques, the valet of the Marquis de Bruyeres, who had been
present during the momentous interview between his master and the Baron
de Sigognac, that the duke's brave antagonist was no other than the
redoubtable Captain Fracasse; or rather, a young nobleman in disguise,
who for the sake of a love affair had become a member of Herode's troupe
of travelling comedians.
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