And so, Madame Henrietta once more returned to the Louvre, with her heart more swollen with bitter recollections than her daughter's, whose disposition was fickle and forgetful, with triumph and delight.She knew but too well this brilliant reception was paid to the happy mother of a king restored to his throne, a throne second to none in Europe, while the worse than indifferent reception she had before met with was paid to her, the daughter of Henry IV., as a punishment for having been unfortunate.After the princesses had been installed in their apartments and had rested, the gentlemen who had formed their escort, having, in like manner, recovered from their fatigue, they resumed their accustomed habits and occupations.Raoul began by setting off to see his father, who had left for Blois.He then tried to see M.d'Artagnan, who, however, being engaged in the organization of a military household for the king, could not be found anywhere.Bragelonne next sought out De Guiche, but the count was occupied in a long conference with his tailors and with Manicamp, which consumed his whole time.With the Duke of Buckingham he fared still worse, for the duke was purchasing horses after horses, diamonds upon diamonds.He monopolized every embroiderer, jeweler, and tailor that Paris could boast of.Between De Guiche and himself a vigorous contest ensued, invariably a courteous one, in which, in order to insure success, the duke was ready to spend a million; while the Marechal de Grammont had only allowed his son sixty thousand francs.So Buckingham laughed and spent his money.Guiche groaned in despair, and would have shown it more violently, had it not been for the advice De Bragelonne gave him.
"A million!" repeated De Guiche daily; "I must submit.Why will not the marechal advance me a portion of my patrimony?""Because you would throw it away," said Raoul.
"What can that matter to him? If I am to die of it, I shall die of it, and then I shall need nothing further.""But what need is there to die?" said Raoul.
"I do not wish to be conquered in elegance by an Englishman.""My dear count," said Manicamp, "elegance is not a costly commodity, it is only a very difficult accomplishment.""Yes, but difficult things cost a good deal of money, and Ihave only got sixty thousand francs."
"A very embarrassing state of things, truly," said De Wardes; "even if you spent as much as Buckingham there is only nine hundred and forty thousand francs difference.""Where am I to find them?"
"Get into debt."
"I am in debt already."
"A greater reason for getting further."