Are you not enjoying yourself? Is not everything
being done for your material comfort? What complaint have you to
offer?"
"A gilded cage is no less a cage."
"It is but temporary. The duchess has commanded that you be held
until it is her pleasure to come to the chateau. O, Monsieur,
where is your gallantry? Here the countess and I have done so
much to amuse you, and you speak of a gilded cage!"
"Pretty bird! pretty bird!" said Maurice, in a piping voice,
"will it have some caraway?"
Madame laughed. "Well, I hear the grooms leading the horses
under the porte coch,re. Go, then, for the morning ride. I am
sorry that I can not accompany you. I have some letters to write."
Fitzgerald curled his mustache. "I'll forswear the ride myself.
I was reading a good book last night; I'll finish it, and keep
Madame company."
Madame trifled with the toast crumbs. Fitzgerald's profound
dissimulation caused a smile to cross Maurice's lips.
"Come, countess," said Maurice, gaily; "we'll take the ride
together, since Madame has to write and my lord to read."
"Five minutes until I dress," replied the countess, and she sped
away.
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