"Messeigneurs," said Camilla, approaching a group of gentlemen, among whom she saw Léodgard and Sénange, "the supper is served under the great arbor of lilacs yonder. If it is your pleasure to serve us as cupbearers, we will take our places at the table.--Come, mesdames." As she spoke, the fair courtesan led her friends away, and they ran like a swarm of butterflies in the direction of the supper table. "On my honor, that Spanish costume is marvellously becoming to Camilla!" said Sénange, exalted to the seventh heaven by a smile which the courtesan had bestowed upon him. "I do not believe that it is possible to find a more fascinating woman.--I am going to supper." "Camilla is certainly very good-looking; I do justice to her attractions," said Montrevert, remaining behind to chat with a number of young men. "But as for saying that there is no more fascinating woman--Sénange goes too far! What would he say if he had seen the young Marquise de Santoval? Ah! she is what I call a beauty that eclipses all others! And, with all Camilla's charms, I will bet that no one would notice her if she stood beside the marchioness!" "Who is this Marquise de Santoval? where does she come from?" asked Monclair. "It is plain that you spend all your time in wine shops, Monclair; otherwise, you would know that the Marquis de Santoval married Mademoiselle Valentine de Mongarcin, the daughter of an illustrious family." "Oh, yes! I remember now.--And it is this young woman who is so beautiful, you say?" "Montrevert does not exaggerate," said La Valteline. "A few days ago, I was at a ball at Madame de Beaumont's, and the young Marquise de Santoval was there. Her entrance caused a sensation; the whole salon joined in a cry of admiration!--That young woman turned everybody's head. In addition to her beauty, there is an expression on her face which it is impossible to describe--coquetry, pride, languor, irony--and the combination is simply ravishing!" "Well, well! it would seem that this Santoval is a very lucky man!" "He is far too much so, messieurs! He is in great danger!" "The devil! we must take precautions, then. For this husband is a veritable wild boar, supplied with nasty tusks." "Let us go to supper, messieurs." "Let us go to supper." The young men walked away; but Léodgard, who had overheard them, remained seated on a bench under the trees, saying thoughtfully to himself: "Ah! this Marquise de Santoval, who is said to be so beautiful, is Valentine--the woman whom I was to marry! I hardly noticed her, then! I am curious to know if they tell the truth.--And then, it will distract me, and I need distraction." And the count walked slowly toward the place where the company was assembled. As for Jarnonville, he had long since left the courtesan's abode, sorely depressed because his attempt to arouse Léodgard's interest had proved fruitless. XLI A GLANCE