"Blame you, my poor child, no, no. The only blame attaches to the unscrupulous persons whose baseness almost compelled you to take such a step—a step I not only approve but admire, for you yourself do not realise how much courage and nobility of character you evinced."
A rather elderly man, approaching the divan upon which M. de Maillefort was seated, leaned over the back of it, and said to the hunchback, in a low tone:
"My dear marquis, Morainville and Hauterive are at your service. They are standing by the window opposite you."
"Very well, my dear friend. A thousand thanks for your kindness and theirs! You have informed them of the condition of affairs, have you not?"
"Fully."
"And they make no objection?"
"How could they in a case like this?"
"Then all is well," responded the marquis.
Then turning to Mlle. de Beaumesnil, he asked:
"For which quadrille did M. de Mornand engage you?"