"I am more and more convinced that the opinion I expressed a short time ago is a just and correct one," said the baron, complacently.
"What opinion?"
"That the marquis is an abominable scoundrel."
"Good evening, monsieur," said Madame de la Rochaiguë, wrathfully, starting towards the door.
"What, you are going like that when we are in such desperate straits, and without coming to any decision!"
"Decision about what?"
"Why, about what we shall do in the matter."
"I know one thing!" exclaimed Madame de la Rochaiguë, completely beside herself, and stamping her foot angrily, "this abominable hunchback has demoralised me completely, and you—you finish by utterly stupefying me with your asinine remarks."
And Madame de la Rochaiguë flounced out of the room, slamming the door violently in the baron's very face.
During the conversation between Madame de la Rochaiguë and M. de Maillefort, Helena had taken Mlle. de Beaumesnil back to her own room. As she was about to leave the young girl she said: