Nanon threw back her head and drew a long breath.
"What!" exclaimed the duke; "Monsieur de Canolles is not at the Golden Calf."
"You are surely mistaken, Francinette," chimed in Nanon.
"Madame," said Francinette, "I tell you what Monsieur Biscarros himself told me."
"He must have guessed the whole truth," murmured Nanon. "Dear Canolles! as quick-witted and clever as he is gallant and handsome!"
"Go at once to Master Biscarros," said the duke, with a face like a thundercloud, "and—"
"Oh! I fancy," said Nanon, hastily, "that he knew you were here, and disliked to disturb you. Poor Canolles is so timid!"
"Timid!" echoed the duke; "that isn't the reputation he bears, unless I am much mistaken."
"No, madame," said Francinette; "Monsieur le Baron has really gone."
"How does it happen, madame, I pray to know, that the baron is afraid of me, when Francinette was instructed to invite him in your name? Did you tell him I was here, Francinette? Answer!"