"Ah! is it you, monsieur?" said the servant, who had often seen Dubourg with his young master. "Have you come to the ball?"
"No, no; I have no desire to dance. Where is your master, I ask you?"
"Oh! Monsieur Frédéric is dancing. There are some beautiful women inside, and he's an amateur, you know."
"The deuce! I would like to speak with him; I have something very important to say to him, but I don't want to disturb him, or to go into the salon; I am not dressed."
"If you wish, monsieur, I will take you to Monsieur Frédéric's apartment; you can wait there comfortably until he retires."
"That's a delightful idea of yours, Germain; take me to Frédéric's apartment at once."
Germain took a candle and went before Dubourg, who was overjoyed to have found a place to finish the night. The valet, who had seen his master display great friendliness to Dubourg, was certain that he would not be reproved for what he was doing.
In due time, they arrived at the young man's apartment, which was so far from the ballroom that the music could barely be heard.
"Would you like me to tell my master that you are here?" inquired Germain, as he placed the candle on a table.
"No, it isn't worth while; I'll read while I am waiting. I am in no hurry at all now; let him dance as long as he pleases."