The chevalier retraced his steps to Léodgard's house and knocked; the gate swung open and he bade Ambroisine enter with him.
Seeing the girl in the courtyard, the concierge, who recognized her, cried:
"What are you doing here? Monsieur le comte will not receive you, as you know quite well! I have orders to send you away whenever you come here, so——"
"This young woman is with me," said Jarnonville, in a tone that imposed silence on the concierge. "Hold your peace!"
And taking Ambroisine's hand, he led her through the vestibule at the right into a room preceding the banquet hall, and said:
"Remain here. I will find Léodgard and send him to you, without telling him who it is that wishes to see him."
"Oh! thanks! thanks a thousand times, seigneur!—I knew that you would help me!"
Jarnonville left the room; and Ambroisine, undismayed, awaited Léodgard's appearance. She was not embarrassed at finding herself in that sumptuous abode. Grandeur loses all its prestige when it loses its power to inspire respect.
Hardly five minutes had passed when Léodgard entered the room in which Ambroisine awaited him.
"A lady to see me?" he exclaimed; "why does she not come to the salons where my guests are assembled?"