"Alas! M. de Gercourt will have his revenge this evening. I have not ordered my carriage until eleven o'clock."
This charitable conversation was interrupted by M. de Beaulieu and M. de Fierval.
"My dear Emilie," said M. de Beaulieu to his sister, "I bring you living information as to the lovely creature beside the sobieska."
"Do you know that charming creature, M. de Fierval?" inquired Madame de Luceval.
"I do not know her, madame; but I know her husband, M. de Brévannes."
"Brévannes?—Is he not the son of a man of business."
"Something of the kind; the father was a contractor—a dealer."
"And that young lady?"
"A poor girl without fortune; she lived by teaching the piano."
"Yet it is impossible to have a more distingué air," said Madame de Luceval.