The company bowed.
"Now," said M. de Vouillé, "we must find seats for these new-comers, who warn me that they are dying of hunger."
Every one moved a little. The table was large, and all the guests had plenty of elbow-room; it was not difficult therefore to place three additional persons.
"Did you not tell me, my dear cousin," said the duchess, "that the prefect of Vienne was dining with you?"
"Yes, madame; and that is he whom you see on the countess's right, with spectacles, a white cravat, and the rosette of an officer of the Legion of honor in his buttonhole."
"Oh! pray present us."
Monsieur de Vouillé boldly carried on the comedy. He felt there was nothing to be done but to play it out. Accordingly, he approached the prefect, who was majestically leaning back in his chair.
"Monsieur le préfet," he said, "this is my cousin, who, with her traditional respect for authority, thinks that a general presentation is not enough, and therefore wishes to be presented to you particularly."
"Generally, particularly, and officially," replied the gallant functionary, "madame is and ever will be welcome."
"I accept the pledge, monsieur," said the duchess.