Fernando did not make his appearance, and Arthur dared not talk to any one else of this miserable affair in which he had been engaged. He listened with a shudder to the congratulations and compliments showered upon the Vicomte, who finally had the audacity to go up to Arthur and demand his felicitations.
Arthur started, and said low in his ear, "I will congratulate you, sir, when the mark upon your cheek, which I imprinted there, is no longer to be seen."
Talizac uttered an exclamation, but Monsieur de Montferrand, suspecting what was going on, stepped forward.
"Arthur," he said sternly, "apologize to the Vicomte for your rash words, or leave this house!"
Arthur looked reproachfully at his father, and moved toward the door. At the same moment a great tumult was heard in the hall.
"What can it be?" said De Fongereues, nervously.
A door was flung open, servants were thrust aside, and a man bearing the inanimate form of a young girl, entered the ball-room.
"Fanfar!" cried Arthur de Montferrand. It was, indeed, Fanfar.
Standing in the centre of the ball-room, for no man ventured to oppose his progress, he addressed himself to the crowd.