"'But why, M. de Senneterre?'
"'You ask me that, with his recent affair with Madame—'
"Then suddenly checking himself, probably on account of my presence, he continued, addressing Madame de la Rochaiguë:
"'You have heard about his conduct with a certain marquise?'
"'Of course.'
"'Well, in my opinion, a man who behaves with such cowardice and cruelty is a scoundrel, and I do not bow to a scoundrel.'
"'Still, he is received everywhere,' remarked Madame de Mirecourt.
"'Yes, because he owns the handsomest house in Paris, and everybody wishes to attend his entertainments.'
"'Oh, you are entirely too particular, M. Gerald,' said Madame de Mirecourt.
"'I too particular?' exclaimed M. de Senneterre, laughing. 'What a frightful slander! I will convince you to the contrary. Look at that little green brougham coming this way, and that—'