As soon as Martial entered the room:
“Repeat,” said the duke—“repeat before my son what you have just said to me.”
Boldly, with head erect, and clear, firm voice, Marie-Anne repeated her accusation.
She expected, on the part of the marquis, an indignant denial, cruel reproaches, or an angry explanation. Not a word. He listened with a nonchalant air, and she almost believed she could read in his eyes an encouragement to proceed, and a promise of protection.
When she had concluded:
“Well!” demanded the duke, imperiously.
“First,” replied Martial, lightly, “I would like to see this famous circular.”
The duke handed him a copy.
“Here—read it.”
Martial glanced over it, laughed heartily, and exclaimed: