"He sank before Frederick," returned Arnoux, in a very low tone.
"Do you know anything, Mademoiselle?" said Nonancourt presently, and he repeated her answer to Madame Dambreuse, who, bending forward a little, began to fix her gaze on Frederick.
Martinon did not wait for Cécile's questions. He informed her that this affair had reference to a woman of improper character. The young girl drew back slightly in her chair, as if to escape from contact with such a libertine.
The conversation was renewed. The great wines of Bordeaux were sent round, and the guests became animated. Pellerin had a dislike to the Revolution, because he attributed to it the complete loss of the Spanish Museum.
This is what grieved him most as a painter.
As he made the latter remark, M. Roque asked:
"Are you not yourself the painter of a very notable picture?"
"It represents a lady in a costume—faith!—a little light, with a purse, and a peacock behind."
Frederick, in his turn, reddened. Pellerin pretended that he had not heard the words.