"Yes," said Marguerite, "it seems that it is necessary that we should do monsieur's will, but patience—soon I hope—"

At this moment somebody violently shut the street door. Blanche started joyfully, and Marguerite cried, with a triumphant air,—

"Ah! here is my master! We shall now see whether anyone can establish himself here in spite of us."

The marquis rose without answering, took his mantle, put his hat on his head, kissed Blanche's hand, saying to her,—

"Au revoir, charming girl," then left the room saying to Marguerite,—

"Light me!"

All this had happened so quickly that Blanche, who was greatly astonished, had not time to oppose the action of the marquis, and the old servant followed the great nobleman, saying,—

"O mon Dieu, what a man!"

The barber had entered and was taking off his mantle, when the marquis, followed by Marguerite, appeared in the lower room. At the sight of Villebelle, Touquet started with surprise, saying,—

"What, you here, monseigneur!"