A domino took M. de Gercourt by the arm, and put an end to this discussion about M. de Morville, who thus lost his stanchest defender.
"And how long has this enchanting princess been in Paris?" inquired M. de Brévannes.
"About three or four months," replied M. de Fierval.
"And who introduced her into society?"
"The wife of the Saxon Minister; the prince is a Saxon himself."
"The prince!" continued M. de Brévannes; "is it really possible that nothing more than you say is known of this mysterious stranger?"
"I can tell you," answered M. de Fierval, "that as inquisitive as the rest of the world to penetrate the smallest corner of this mystery, I have inquired of the minister of Saxony."
"Well?"
"He gave me an evasive reply. The prince, whose health was extremely delicate, lived in perfect retirement; he was obliged to submit to very strict regimen; his journey had fatigued him greatly; in fact, I saw that my questions decidedly embarrassed the minister, so I ended the conversation, and have since abstained from again mentioning M. de Hansfeld's name in his presence."
"It is really remarkably odd," said M. de Brévannes; "and no one amongst the foreigners here knows anything of the prince?"