“Count George de Walden?” said Clement, “the same one who visited the gallery about a year ago?”
“The very one,” replied Julian; “and it was he who showed us the beautiful Cordelia that resembles you so much, mademoiselle,” he added, turning to Fleurange.
“And the source of our good luck in finding her,” said Hilda.
“But, since he has seen you, Gabrielle,” said Clara, “you must know him.”
Fleurange, strangely surprised, moved, and confused, nevertheless replied in a tolerably calm tone: “I did not know who purchased the picture until I came here.”
“But,” persisted Clara, “you saw him, however?”
“Yes, once, but without speaking to him.”
“In that case, you must remember him, for Julian pretends his face is the most remarkable one he ever saw.”
“Yes, his features are not only fine,” said Julian, “but there is in his physiognomy and his whole appearance something—something—”
“Striking and noble,” said Clement.