In fact, there was Pommerive, with a less impudent air than usual, following in the steps of the chargé d'affaires of some little German court, who was doubtless leading him up to Madame de Fersen.
"It is a presentation," said Madame de —— to me.
"If there were justice," I replied, "it would be an exposition."
"But how can Madame de Fersen receive affably so slanderous and false a man?" said Madame de ——.
"To prove, doubtless, the weakness of that man's calumnies," replied I.
Pommerive made a profound bow to Madame de Fersen, then followed the chargé d'affaires, and both went in search of M. de Fersen.
A few minutes later, I found myself face to face with Pommerive.
"Hello! Are you here?" he cried.
This exclamation was so absurdly impertinent, that I answered:
"If I were less polite, M. de Pommerive, I might express my astonishment at finding you here."