It was applauded none the less heartily. Thélénie alone shrugged her shoulders, as she said to her husband:
“Let’s hope, monsieur, this will be your last surprise!”
Many people came for the ball only; among them was Edmond, who entered the gorgeous salons of the villa about eleven o’clock.
Chamoureau ran to meet him and grasped his hand.
“My dear Monsieur Edmond Didier,” he said, “how delighted I am to have you as my guest.”
“My congratulations, Chamoureau—I beg pardon! Monsieur de Belleville; your house is magnificent!”
“Isn’t it? It is truly regal. My wife will be very glad to see you; shall I present you to her?”
“Oh! it’s not worth while. I have the honor of her acquaintance, you know.”
“Yes, to be sure! I had quite forgotten that you used to—know her! But excuse me; they are going to dance, and my wife has given me a list of seventeen people that I must dance with.”