Dubois informed us that the gentleman was the intimate friend of the Infante Don Louis, and that, believing he knew madam, he had begged to be introduced. Dubois had answered that her name was D’Arci, and that, if he was known to the lady, he required no introduction. M. d’Antoine said that the name of D’Arci was unknown to him, and that he was afraid of making a mistake. “In that state of doubt,” added Dubois, “and wishing to clear it, he introduced himself, but now he must see that he was mistaken.”
After supper, Henriette appeared anxious. I asked her whether she had only pretended not to know M. d’Antoine.
“No, dearest, I can assure you. I know his name which belongs to an illustrious family of Provence, but I have never seen him before.”
“Perhaps he may know you?”
“He might have seen me, but I am certain that he never spoke to me, or I would have recollected him.”
“That meeting causes me great anxiety, and it seems to have troubled you.”
“I confess it has disturbed my mind.”
“Let us leave Parma at once and proceed to Genoa. We will go to Venice as soon as my affairs there are settled.”
“Yes, my dear friend, we shall then feel more comfortable. But I do not think we need be in any hurry.”
We returned to Parma, and two days afterwards my servant handed me a letter, saying that the footman who had brought it was waiting in the ante-room.