"Monsieur Beauregard."
At the name of Beauregard, Thélénie's brow grew dark and she made an impatient gesture, muttering:
"Aha! Monsieur Beauregard! Well, what did he want of me? what did he say to you?"
"The gentleman seemed doubtful at first whether madame had really gone out; he was about to come in without listening to me; but when I told him that he could look into the salon and madame's bedroom, he didn't come in, but went away, leaving word that he would come again."
"That person seems to be very unceremonious!" exclaimed Héloïse; "the idea of his having the face to enter your apartment to see if you were really there!"
"Oh! he's a very old acquaintance—an eccentric fellow; but he would do well to spare me his visits; I confess that I hardly enjoy them. I had not seen him for several years; I don't know what has possessed him lately, and why he has taken to coming again.—Didn't he say anything else, Mélie?"
"No, madame; he went away at the same time that Monsieur Chamoureau did, and I saw them from the window walking away together and talking."
"Beauregard talking with Chamoureau?"
"Yes, madame."
"That is very strange; but after all, it makes no difference to me!—Ah! someone is ringing, I believe."