At that moment, the conversation was interrupted by the sound of a horse galloping into the courtyard.
Hector let the portière fall, went into a reception room, looked out of the window, and returned with a radiant face, saying to his master:
"Here is Monsieur le Comte Léodgard, just coming in."
"Go to him, then; tell him that I await him. Go—do not lose an instant, for he may have gone away again."
Old Hector disappeared to execute his master's command.
In a few moments, Léodgard entered his father's apartment. The young count was pale, his face was drawn and haggard, his eyes sunken from loss of sleep; and the disorder of his clothes, the dust with which they were covered, seemed to indicate that he had recently ridden a long distance on horseback.
He walked forward with a respectful air, but was evidently out of temper. He bowed to his father and remained standing in the middle of the room.
The old marquis pointed to a chair, saying in a stern tone:
"Be seated, monsieur; what I have to say to you will take some moments, and deserves to be listened to with attention."
"I beg pardon, monsieur, but you see the disordered state of my dress; I am ashamed to appear before you in such disarray; allow me simply the necessary time to change, and I will at once return."