Léodgard let his head sink upon his breast, and stood lost in thought. In that condition, he saw nothing, heard nothing, and seemed entirely oblivious to everything that was taking place about him. So it was that he did not notice an individual, quite tall, wrapped in his cloak, and followed by a servant bearing a lantern, who entered the arcade in which he was waiting, and walked toward him. The new-comer passed close to Léodgard, who did not emerge from his reverie or lift his head. Thereupon, at a sign from his master, the servant who carried the lantern held it so near to the count's face that the light fell upon it. "What are you doing here, knave?" cried Léodgard, instantly raising his head. "Why do you stop so near me with your lantern? Did I ask you for a light?" "Excuse him, monsieur; it was at my command that he acted as he did. As I passed you, I thought that I recognized you; but it is so dark under these arcades that I was not certain, and, as I desired to assure myself that I was not mistaken, I motioned to my servant to throw the light on your face for a moment. So you see, he is not the culprit." Léodgard's features contracted into a scowl; he had recognized the Marquis de Santoval in the person who addressed him. He divined instantly that the encounter was not simply the result of chance; however, he determined to pretend to assume at first that it was so, and he replied nonchalantly: "It is Monsieur le Marquis de Santoval, I think.--I am overjoyed at the chance which affords me the pleasure of offering you my most sincere respects." The marquis made a sign to his valet, who withdrew ten or twelve paces, so that he could not overhear what was said. When the servant was out of hearing, Monsieur de Santoval planted himself haughtily in front of Léodgard, and said in a bantering tone: "The weather is very bad for an open-air rendezvous, is it not, monsieur le comte?" "Why, it seems to me that you do not consider it too bad, monsieur le marquis, as it does not prevent you from coming out." "Ah! but I have not come here to meet a lady--quite the contrary!" "Who told you that I was here with that purpose?" "Who? You would be greatly surprised if I should tell you that it was the very person who gave you the rendezvous!" Léodgard with difficulty restrained an outburst of rage, and replied: "I do not understand you, monsieur le marquis!" "You do not understand me, count? That surprises me!--No matter, I will explain myself more clearly.--There are gentlemen to whom nothing is sacred, and who do not hesitate to pay their respects to other men's wives. Their number is not small, I am aware! But it is less common to see a gallant, after refusing to marry a nobly born and beautiful lady, presume to make love to her as soon as she has become the wife of another man.--You must agree that a man need be extremely self-conceited to believe that he will succeed in obtaining a hearing then!" "Monsieur le marquis----"