M. de Bois, enraged at the injustice of this rebuke, could control himself no longer, and came forward with a lowering visage. The count turned towards him in surprise.
"Ah, M. de Bois, I was not aware of your presence. I must have interrupted a tête-à-tête. You perceive, I am, now and then, obliged to chide."
Gaston answered only by a bow, though his features wore an expression which the count would not have been well pleased to see if he had interpreted aright.
"But," continued the latter, "we are most apt to chide those whom we love best, as you are aware."
"I am a—a—ware," began M. de Bois, trying to calm his indignation, yet experiencing a strong desire to adopt his new method of speaking fluently by using strong interjections.
The count changed the subject by asking, "Did you deliver the letters, of which you had the goodness to take charge, to the Count Damoreau, Madame de Nervac, and Monsieur de Bonneville?"
"Our relatives!" exclaimed Madeleine, unreflectingly. "Have you forgotten that you will see them to-night at the ball? But I beg pardon; perhaps you had something very important to write about."
"It was very important," answered the count, dryly.
"I im—im—imagined so," remarked M. de Bois, "by the sensation the letters created. Madame de Nervac turned pale, and the Count Damoreau turned red, and M. de Bonneville gnawed his nails as he was reading."
"Had they the kindness to send answers by you, as I requested?"