Besides, people of rank and distinction naturally
exercised a powerful attraction over him, and he fancied he grew
several inches taller when, in some public place, in the street,
or a restaurant, he was able to call out, "I say, Valorsay, my
good friend," or, "Upon my word! my dear marquis!"
M. de Valorsay received these effusions graciously enough,
although, in point of fact, he was terribly bored by the
platitudes of his new acquaintance. He intended to send him to
Coventry later on, but just now M. Wilkie was too useful to be
ignored. So he had introduced him to his club, and was seen with
him everywhere--in the Bois, at the restaurants, and the theatres.
At times, some of his friends inquired: "Who is that queer little
fellow?" with a touch of irony in their tone, but when the marquis
carelessly answered: "A poor devil who has just come into
possession of a property worth twenty millions!" they became
serious, and requested the pleasure and honor of an introduction
to this fortunate young man.
So M. de Valorsay had invited Gordon-Chalusse to accompany him to
Baron Trigault's approaching fete. It was to be an entertainment
for gentlemen only, a monster card-party; but every one knew the
wealthy baron, and no doubt with a view of stimulating curiosity
he had declared, and the Figaro had repeated, that he had a great
surprise in store for his guests.
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