"Only by sight. I have met him occasionally in society." "Then he is not a friend of yours?" "Not even an acquaintance." "Ah, so much the better," replied Louis. "Why so?" "For no particular reason." "But do you know him?" "Indirectly." Notwithstanding this evasive answer, it was easy to perceive that between Louis and Chateau Renaud there existed one of those mysterious bonds which could only be forged by a woman. An instinctive feeling assured me that it would be best for all if he and I returned home quietly. "Will you take my advice, Monsieur de Franchi," I said. "About what? tell me!" "Do not go to supper at D----'s house." "Why not? Does he not expect us. Have you not told him that you will bring a friend?" "Yes, but that is not the point." "What is the point then?" "I am sure you had better not go, that is all!" "But surely you have some reason to give for your change of opinion; just now you were insisting on my presence at D----'s against my will." "I did not then know that we should meet Chateau Renaud." "But that is all the better. I believe he is a very pleasant companion, and I shall be glad to make his acquaintance." "Very well," I replied--"so be it. Shall we go now?" We accordingly went downstairs for our paletots. D---- lived within a short distance of the opera house, the morning was very fine, and I hoped that the open air would enliven my companion. So I proposed that we should walk, and this he agreed to. CHAPTER XIII. WE found many of my friends assembled--habitués of the opera lobbies and of the greenroom, and, as I had expected, a few unmasked "bouquets" anxious for the time to come when the water-bottles would be used--supper time! I introduced Louis to several friends, and it is needless to say that he was politely received and welcomed. Ten minutes after our arrival D---- entered, accompanied by his bouquet of myosotis, who unmasked herself with a freedom and precision which argued a long acquaintance with these sort of parties. I introduced Louis to D----. "Now," said B----, "if all the presentations have been made, I suggest that we present ourselves at table." "All the presentations are made, but all the guests have not arrived," replied D----. "Who is expected then?" "Chateau Renaud is still wanting to complete the party." "Ah, just so. By-the-by, was there not some bet?" "Yes. We laid a wager of a supper for twelve, that he would not bring a certain lady here to-night." "And who is the lady," asked the bouquet of myosotis, "who is so very shy as to be made the subject of a bet?" I looked at Louis de Franchi. He was outwardly composed, but pale as a corpse. "Faith, I don't know that there is any great harm in telling you her name, especially as none of you know her I think. She is Madame----" Louis placed his hand upon D----'s arm. "Monsieur," he said; "will you grant me a favour? As a new acquaintance I venture to ask it!" "What is it, monsieur?"