"I will," answered the artist; "I will return to my hotel and be ready to attend you at any moment you may need my presence."
"Gentlemen," said the Frenchwoman, turning to the two visitors, who were looking on with considerable wonderment, at a scene they had been unable to comprehend, "I fear that we have sadly wasted your valuable time. Events have occurred which will unavoidably postpone the ceremony you were invited to witness."
"Then there will be no wedding to-day, mademoiselle?"
"There will not."
"Don Juan is ill, I fear?" said one of the guests.
"He is not quite himself," answered Pauline, gravely.
The two gentlemen expressed their regret and retired, accompanied by Armand Tremlay. Captain Prendergills seated himself in an easy-chair, and stretching his great legs upon an embroidered cushion, took a pipe and tobacco-pouch from his pocket, and prepared to enjoy himself.
"If you could send me a bottle of brandy to wet my lips with, while I'm waiting, I should take it kindly, mademoiselle," he said.
Pauline promised that his request should be attended to, and left the room followed by Paul.
But on the threshold of Don Juan's private apartment, she paused and hesitated for a moment.