"You have been there?"
"Yes; about a family matter—an inheritance."
"Ah! I am very glad," she said, with an air of such genuine pleasure that he felt quite touched, just as if she had rendered him a great service.
She asked him what he intended to do, as it was necessary for a man to occupy himself with something.
He recalled to mind his false position, and said that he hoped to reach the Council of State with the help of M. Dambreuse, the secretary.
"You are acquainted with him, perhaps?"
"Merely by name."
Then, in a low tone:
"He brought you to the ball the other night, did he not?"
Frederick remained silent.