"The unhappy creature has suddenly recognised him," said another.
"Faithless man!"
"Perfidious monster!"
"Who knows?" said the domino, "perhaps it was your wife, Brévannes!"
A shout of laughter followed this pleasantry.
"That would be a capital joke. You have, no doubt, concealed from her that you were coming here, she has believed you in her candour, and in the same spirit come here herself."
Brévannes bore admirably all the jests levelled at him, with the exception of those relating to his wife. He could not conceal his vexation, and endeavoured to change the conversation by saying to M. de Fierval,—
"It's getting late, Fierval, let us go to supper."
"O the wretch!" said the domino; "it is more than probable, that he will get up a terrible scene with his wife on his return home, and all in consequence of the silly remark of a domino,—poor Bertha!"
"The best proof that I am not jealous, and that I bear no malice," said M. de Brévannes, with an air of forced gaiety, "is that I shall be delighted if you will come and sup with us."