"His Excellency the Russian ambassador," announced the footman.
Madame de Fersen had barely time to disappear behind the portière which concealed the door between the parlour and her bedchamber.
"I am, like you, waiting for Madame de Fersen," I said to M. P. de B——, "she is doubtless finishing her toilet. You are going to the Chambers, I believe?"
"Yes; it will be a most brilliant and interesting sitting; they say that Benjamin Constant, Foy, and Casimir Perier are going to speak, and that M. de Villèle will answer."
Catherine entered, calm and composed, as if nothing had passed between us.
Her control over herself angered me.
After a few unmeaning words M. P. de B—— remarked that it was getting late, and it was best to start at once in order to find places in the diplomatic gallery. He offered his arm to Madame de Fersen, who suggested that I should go with them, accompanying the proposal with an imploring glance to which I was insensible.
I left Madame de Fersen in a state of irritation, dissatisfied with her and with myself.
My carriage drove me to the Tuileries, where I got down for a walk.
By chance I met Pommerive.