Peyrolles went on: "While the Prince de Gonzague lives a bright life, and
sets the mode in wit, dress, vice--in every way the perfect gentleman,
and now the favorite companion and friend of his melancholy majesty,
whose natural sadness at the loss of the great cardinal he does his best
to alleviate."
Æsop laughed mockingly as Peyrolles mouthed his approvals. "Lucky groom.
But if he can spend the money, why does he want the girl?"
Peyrolles answered, promptly: "To please the princess, and prove himself
the devoted husband."