And indeed he really thought so himself. Gesture, attitude, smile, every thing in M. Costeclar, betrayed the satisfaction of self, and the assurance of a man accustomed to success. His head, which was very small, had but little hair left; but it was artistically drawn towards the temples, parted in the middle, and cut short around the forehead. His leaden complexion, his pale lips, and his dull eye, did not certainly betray a very rich blood; he had a great long nose, sharp and curved like a sickle; and his beard, of undecided color, trimmed in the Victor Emmanuel style, did the greatest honor to the barber who cultivated it. Even when seen for the first time, one might fancy that he recognized him, so exactly was he like three or four hundred others who are seen daily in the neighborhood of the Caf Riche, who are met everywhere where people run who pretend to amuse themselves, - at the bourse or in the bois; at the first representations, where they are just enough hidden to be perfectly well seen at the back of boxes filled with young ladies with astonishing chignons; at the races; in carriages, where they drink champagne to the health of the winner.
He had on this occasion hoisted his best looks, and the full dress de rigueur - dress-coat with wide sleeves, shirt cut low in the neck, and open vest, fastened below the waist by a single button.
"Quite the man of the world," again remarked Mme. Desclavettes.
M. Favoral rushed toward him; and the latter, hastening, met him half way, and, taking both his hands into his - "I cannot tell you, dear friend," he commenced, "how deeply I feel the honor you do me in receiving me in the midst of your charming family and your respectable friends."
And he bowed all around during this speech, which he delivered in the condescending tone of a lord visiting his inferiors.
"Let me introduce you to my wife," interrupted the cashier. And, leading him towards Mme. Favoral - "Monsieur Costeclar, my dear," said he:" the friend of whom we have spoken so often."
M. Costeclar bowed, rounding his shoulders, bending his lean form in a half-circle, and letting his arms hang forward.
"I am too much the friend of our dear Favoral, madame," he uttered, "not to have heard of you long since, nor to know your merits, and the fact that he owes to you that peaceful happiness which he enjoys, and which we all envy him."
Standing by the mantel-piece, the usual Saturday evening guests followed with the liveliest interest the evolutions of the pretender.
Two of them, M. Chapelain and old Desormeaux, were perfectly able to appreciate him at his just value; but, in affirming that he made half a million a year, M. Favoral had, as it were, thrown over his shoulders that famous ducal cloak which concealed all deformities.
Without waiting for his wife's answer, M. Favoral brought his protege in front of Mlle. Gilberte.
"Dear daughter,"said he, "Monsieur Costeclar, the friend of whom I have spoken."
M. Costeclar bowed still lower, and rounded off his shoulders again; but the young lady looked at him from head to foot with such a freezing glance, that his tongue remained as if paralyzed in his mouth, and he could only stammer out:
"Mademoiselle! the honor, the humblest of your admirers."
Fortunately Maxence was standing three steps off - he fell hack in good order upon him, and seizing his hand, which he shook vigorously:
"I hope, my dear sir, that we shall soon be quite intimate friends.
Your excellent father, whose special concern you are, has often spoken to me of you. Events, so he has confided to me, have not hitherto responded to your expectations. At your age, this is not a very grave natter. People, now-a-days, do not always find at the first attempt the road that leads to fortune. You will find yours.
From this time forth I place at your command my influence and my experience; and, if you will consent to take me for your guide -"
Maxence had withdrawn his hand.
"I am very much obliged to you, sir," he answered coldly; "but I am content with my lot, and I believe myself old enough to walk alone."
