"Why, through the neighboring departments, or through yours. They tell me she was seen at Toulouse in an open carriage while changing horses."
"Good heavens!" cried the prefect; "that would be a little too bold."
"So bold that Monsieur le préfet doesn't believe it?"
"Not one word of it," said the official emphasizing each monosyllable as he uttered it.
At that moment the door opened, and one of the count's footmen announced that a clerk from the prefecture asked permission to deliver a telegraphic despatch just received from Paris for the prefect.
"Will you permit him to enter?" said the prefect to the count.
"Why, of course," said the latter.
The clerk entered and gave a sealed package to the prefect, who bowed his excuses to the company for opening it.
Absolute silence reigned. All eyes were fixed on the despatch. Madame exchanged signs with M. de Vouillé, who laughed under his breath, with M. de Lussac, who laughed aloud, and with her so-called husband who maintained his imperturbably grave manner.
"Whew!" cried the public functionary suddenly, while his features were indiscreet enough to betray the utmost surprise.