And D'Harmental took his leave, while Bathilde remained astonished at his ease and assurance in such a situation.
"This young man is really very amiable," said Buvat.
"Yes, very," said Bathilde, mechanically.
"But it is an extraordinary thing; I think I have seen him before."
"It is possible," said Bathilde.
"And his voice—I am sure I know his voice."
Bathilde started; for she remembered the evening when Buvat had returned frightened from the adventure in the Rue des Bons Enfants, and D'Harmental had not spoken of that adventure. At this moment Nanette entered, announcing dinner. Buvat instantly went into the other room.
"Well, mademoiselle," said Nanette softly, "the handsome young man came, then, after all?"
"Yes, Nanette, yes," answered Bathilde, raising her eyes to heaven with an expression of infinite gratitude, "and I am very happy."
She passed in to the dining-room, where Buvat, who had put down his hat and stick on a chair, was waiting for her, and slapping his thighs with his hands, as was his custom in his moments of extreme satisfaction.