Montferrand had heard that this Fanfar was only a rope-dancer; but his air and manner, his dress, too, proclaimed him to hold a very different position, and he was greatly attracted by his appearance.
"It is a disgraceful piece of business, sir," he answered, "in which, I am sorry to say, I am in a measure concerned;—the Vicomte de Talizac—"
"I knew it!" murmured Fanfar.
"And his friend, Fernando de Vellebri—"
"The Italian spy, who betrayed his brothers, the Carbonari, and is now the slave of the Jesuits."
"All of which I knew nothing of; but at all events these two men, whom I have called my friends, to my shame, have carried off a young girl, a street singer—
"A most odious crime; but have you any idea where they have taken her?"
"No, not the slightest."
"And this girl, has she no father, no mother?"
"She is an orphan, and is called the Marquise."