The next morning Michu went to Paris, whence he returned a few days later with four fine horses for his new masters.  In six weeks’ time the hunting would begin, and the young countess sagely reflected that the violent excitements of that exercise would be a help against the tete-a-tetes of the chateau.  At first, however, an unexpected result surprised the spectators of these strange loves and roused their admiration.  Without any premeditated agreement the brothers rivalled each other in attentions to Laurence, with a sense of pleasure in so doing which appeared to suffice them.  The relation between themselves and Laurence was just as fraternal as that between themselves.  What could be more natural?  After so long an absence they felt the necessity of studying her, of knowing her well and letting her know them, leaving to her the right of choice.  They were sustained in this first trial by the mutual affection which made their double life one and the same life.

Love, like their own mother, was unable to distinguish between the brothers.  Laurence was obliged (in order to know them apart and make no mistakes) to give them different cravats—­to the elder a white one, to the younger black.  Without this perfect resemblance, this identity of life, which misled all about them, such a situation would be justly thought impossible.  It can, indeed, be explained only by the fact itself, which is one of those which men do not believe in unless they see them; and then the mind is more bewildered by having to explain them than by the actual sight which caused belief.  If Laurence spoke, her voice echoed in two hearts equally faithful and loving with one tone.  Did she give utterance to an intelligent, or witty, or noble thought, her glance encountered the delight expressed in two glances which followed her every movement, interpreted her slightest wish, and beamed upon her ever with a new expression, gaiety in the one, tender melancholy in the other.  In any matter that concerned their mistress the brothers showed an admirable quick-wittedness of heart coupled with instant action which (to use the abbe’s own expression) approached the sublime.  Often, if something had to be fetched, if it was a question of some little attention which men delight to pay to a beloved woman, the elder would leave that pleasure to the younger with a look at Laurence that was proud and tender.  The younger, on the other hand, put all his own pride into paying such debts.  This rivalry of noble natures in a feeling which leads men often to the jealous ferocity of the beasts amazed the old people who were watching it, and bewildered their ideas.