“Ah! that is what he is going to tell us at dinner.”
“Why at dinner, pray? are we going to have trees for dessert?”
“I have told you all I know.”
“I would never have believed that Monsieur de Belleville would discover anything.”
“It seems that he isn’t such a fool as he looks.”
These last reflections came from the groups formed by the guests from Paris. Meanwhile the report that the master of the house had made an interesting discovery quickly spread through all the rooms, and reached the ears of Freluchon, who had renewed his acquaintance with the Baron von Schtapelmerg.
It was Monsieur Jarnouillard who said to them:
“It seems that Monsieur de Belleville is a man of great talent—a profound student, deeply versed in the abstract sciences!”
“Whom are you talking about?” cried Freluchon.
“Of our host, Monsieur de Belleville.”