Arthur, foaming with rage, called out to Aubé:
"Make haste, the girl has been carried off by the order of these people! I know what I say!"
Aubé hastened to his private rooms; he found the door that led to the stairs unlocked and open.
"What scoundrels they are!" cried Aubé.
"Yes," answered Montferrand, "but scoundrels who bear the best names in France—one is the Vicomte de Talizac, son of the Marquis de Fongereues."
A young man suddenly appeared on the stairs.
"Who speaks of Talizac and de Fongereues?" he asked.
"Ah! Monsieur Fanfar! heaven has sent you to my assistance. My establishment is ruined, but that is nothing to the ruin of this poor girl!"
"What poor girl?" asked Fanfar. "Pray explain yourself, Monsieur Aubé."