Leonarde to come and talk the matter over with him; he had kept up
secret relations with her, as it is always well to have a spy in the
enemy's camp. The duke received her, when she came in obedience to
his summons, in his own particular and favoured room, to which she was
conducted by a private staircase. It was a most dainty and luxurious
apartment, fitted up with exquisite taste, and hung round with portraits
of beautiful women--admirably painted by Simon Vouet, a celebrated
master of that day--representing different mythological characters, and
set in richly carved oval frames. These were all likenesses of the young
duke's various mistresses, each one displaying her own peculiar charms
to the greatest possible advantage, and having consented to sit for her
portrait--in a costume and character chosen by the duke--as a special
favour, without the most remote idea that it was to form part of a
gallery.
When the duenna had entered and made her best curtsey, the duke
condescendingly signed to her to be seated, and immediately began to
question her eagerly about Isabelle--as to whether there were any signs
yet of her yielding to his suit, and also how matters were progressing
between her and the detested Captain Fracasse. Although the crafty old
woman endeavoured to put the best face upon everything, and was very
diplomatic in her answers to these searching questions, the information
that she had to give was excessively displeasing to the imperious
young nobleman, who had much ado to control his temper sufficiently to
continue the conversation.
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