Now, this little festivity had been his sole recreation during the ten miserable days since he had got into the complication of the necklace; and the supper, which was for only five, was at the suggestion of the Pink of Military Propriety. So it was without any compunctions that de Meneval walked into his quarters, expecting to find a small but jolly party. But he instantly recognized the two uninvited members, and stopping short on the carpet, his ruddy complexion turned a sickly green.
Papa Bouchard felt a sensation of triumph at Captain de Meneval’s entrance. He, at least, would not dare to deride and defy him, as these wretched young women had done. But before Monsieur Bouchard could open his mouth, Aglaia burst forth, pointing to the old gentleman:
“Of all the impudent men I ever saw, this one excels! What do you think? As soon as he found we were coming here to supper, he hung on to us—declared there was nothing he liked so well as a gay little party, that he could drink so much champagne he was called the Champagne Tank—and actually forced himself in here, although we tried to push him out. Didn’t he, Olga and Louise?”
And Olga and Louise confirmed every word that Aglaia uttered.
Papa Bouchard, thoroughly exasperated, struck an attitude like that of Socrates in his favorite picture, “Socrates and His Pupils,” and addressed Captain de Meneval.
“Monsieur le Capitaine,” he said, “you of course do not and cannot believe a word that these young ladies say concerning my presence here to-night.”
Victor, very much alarmed, and dreading to catch Léontine’s eye, yet retained enough of his wits to see that he had Papa Bouchard at a disadvantage, and that the best thing to do was to assume the worst, and decline to listen to any explanation.
“Monsieur Bouchard,” he said, coldly, “you are asking a little too much of me when you wish me to believe your testimony against that of three ladies. I don’t know how you came, but I am very glad to see you now that you are here, and hope you will remain to supper.”
“But I came on business!” cried poor Papa Bouchard. “I had an appointment to finish up a transaction with a lady——”