"He is certainly an offender," echoed Mademoiselle de Richeval.
"Ladies, listen to the Abbé," said the Princess languidly.
The pseudo-Abbé scanned the faces about him with a cunning look, especially that of Germain, as one he would read through and through were it possible.
"In the name of mercy, Abbé, proceed," the Canoness cried.
"It is a trifle, a piece of mere common talk," he said demurely.
"Speak, Abbé," commanded the Princess de Poix.
"Mademoiselle de Merecour——" he began deliberately.
"Hélène?" all exclaimed in astonishment. "Proceed—tell us."
"She is my best friend," the Baroness murmured.
"Mademoiselle de Merecour," he repeated, still delaying. "Have you heard why she looked so disdainful at the Queen's Game last evening?"