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"What can I do for you, sir?" asked he with great politeness. "Can I see Florestan?" "In Count de Mussidan's service, I believe?" "Just so; I have an appointment with him here." "He is downstairs in the band-room," replied the landlord. "I will send for him." "Don't trouble; I will go down," and, without waiting for permission, Mascarin descended some steps that apparently led to a cellar.
How was it that Madame de Mussidan, who was a daily visitor, had not appeared at the house since that eventful night? He was so much surprised at this that he ventured to dispatch a short note, acquainting her of the sudden illness of his wife. In an hour he received a reply, merely containing these words: "Can you account for M. de Mussidan's sudden determination to spend the winter in Italy?
I will say more," continued De Breulh gravely, as the artist still kept silent; "yesterday, at Mademoiselle de Mussidan's request, I withdrew from my position as a suitor for her hand." Andre had already been touched by De Breulh's frank and open manner, and these last words entirely conquered him. "I can never thank you enough," began he. But De Breulh interrupted him.
When this little masterpiece of diplomacy was completed, he rang the bell, and, handing it to one of the club servants, told him to take it to the Count de Mussidan's house. When this unpleasant duty was over, M. de Breulh had hoped to experience some feeling of relief, but in this he was mistaken.
A feeling of the most instantaneous relief thrilled through M. de Mussidan's heart. "You will pardon me," suggested he blandly, "but when one sees a portrait in a studio, the inference is that a sitting or two has taken place?" "You are right. She came here secretly, and without the knowledge of her family, at the risk of her honor and reputation, thus affording me the strongest proof of her love.
I can call to my mind certain crimes which three generations of detective have striven to find out. Did you ever hear that De Croisenois had an elder brother named George, who disappeared in a most wonderful manner? What became of him? This very George, twenty-three years back, was a friend of Madame de Mussidan's. Might not his disappearance have something to do with this marriage?"
You had hardly left the house, when the Baron de Clinchain made his appearance." "An eccentric old fellow, a friend of the Count de Mussidan's. I know him." "Just so; well, they had a stormy interview, and at the end of it, the Baron was taken ill, and it was with difficulty that he regained his carriage." "That seems curious." "Wait a bit.
Meanwhile, the girl promised to meet Andre morning and evening in the same place, and give him such scraps of information as she had been able to pick up. For two whole days Mademoiselle de Mussidan's condition remained unchanged, and Andre spent his whole time between his own studio, the Avenue de Matignon, and M. de Breulh's, where he frequently met Madame de Bois Arden.
"That I cannot tell; for Mademoiselle de Mussidan's sake, I have withdrawn all my pretensions to her hand, not to leave the field open to any other intruder, but in order that she may be your wife." "How are we to learn what has really happened?" asked the Viscountess. "In some way or other we shall find out, if you will be our ally."
The evening before this eventful night she had been alone in Madame de Mussidan's drawing-room with George de Croisenois. She had been impressed by his ardent passion, and had listened with pleasure to his loving entreaties. "I yield," said she.
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