"I propose to deal frankly with you, monsieur le marquis," replied the rector, raising his voice. "Witness the fact that I ask you plainly where Monsieur de Villareal is, and how it happens that I do not see him among your guests."
This insidious and abrupt attack nearly unhorsed Bois-Doré.
Luckily Guillaume d'Ars, who approached him at that moment, heard the question and took it upon himself to answer it.
"You ask for Monsieur de Villareal," he said, bowing to Monsieur Poulain. "He left the château with me last evening."
"Pardon me," replied the rector, saluting Guillaume with more courtesy than he displayed toward Bois-Doré. "Then I can address a letter to him at your residence, monsieur le comte?"
"No, monsieur," replied Guillaume, annoyed by this persistence. "He is not at my house to-day."
"But if he has gone temporarily only, you expect him to return this evening, or to-morrow at latest, I presume?"
"I do not know what day he will return, monsieur; I am not accustomed to question my guests. But come, marquis; they are calling for you in the salon."
He led Bois-Doré away toward the De Beuvres, to cut short the interrogatories of the rector, who withdrew with a strange smile and threatening humility.
"You were speaking of Monsieur de Villareal," said De Beuvre to the marquis; "I heard you mention his name. How does it happen that we do not see him here? Is he ill?"