“Madame la Vicomtesse!” exclaimed Nick, puzzled.
“May I present to you, Madame, Mr. Nicholas Temple?” I asked.
Nick bowed, and she courtesied again.
“So Monsieur le Baron is really after us,” said Nick. He opened his eyes, slapped his knee, and laughed. “That may account for the Citizen Captain de St. Gré's absence,” he said. “By the way, Davy, you haven't happened by any chance to meet him?”
The Vicomtesse and I exchanged a look of understanding. Relief was plain on her face. It was she who answered.
“We have met him—by chance, Monsieur. He has just left for Terre aux Bœufs.”
“Terre aux Bœufs! What the dev—I beg your pardon, Madame la Vicomtesse, but you give me something of a surprise. Is there another conspiracy at Terre aux Bœufs, or—does somebody live there who has never before lent Auguste money?”
Madame la Vicomtesse laughed. Then she grew serious again.
“You did not know where he had gone?” she said.
“I did not even know he had gone,” said Nick. “Citizen Lamarque and I were having a little game of piquet—for vegetables. Eh, citizen?”