"Monsieur de Canolles!" cried the traveller, whose lips became deathly pale, making a ghastly contrast with the black silk mask. "That's the name! Monsieur de Canolles," said Cauvignac, following, upon the visible portions of the young man's face and in the convulsive movement of his whole body, the revolution which was taking place in his mind. "Do you know Monsieur de Canolles, too? In God's name, do you know everybody?" "A truce to jesting," faltered the young man, who was trembling all over, and seemed on the point of fainting. "Where is this lady?" "In that room yonder; look, the third window from this,--where the yellow curtains are." "I want to see her!" cried the traveller. "Oho! have I made a mistake, and can it be that you are this Monsieur de Canolles whom she expects? Or, rather, isn't this Monsieur de Canolles, this gallant cavalier just trotting up, followed by a lackey who looks to me like a consummate idiot?" The young traveller jumped forward so precipitately to look through the glass in the front of the carriage that he broke it with his head. "'T is he! 'tis he!" he cried, utterly regardless of the fact that the blood was flowing from a slight wound. "Oh! the villain! he is here to meet her; I am undone!" "Ah! didn't I say that you were a woman?" "They meet here by appointment," the young man continued, wringing his hands. "Oh! I will have my revenge!" Cauvignac would have indulged in some further pleasantry; but the young man made an imperious gesture with one hand, while with the other he tore off his mask, and the pale, threatening face of Nanon was revealed to Cauvignac's impassive gaze. VII. "Good-day to you, little sister," said Cauvignac, offering the young woman his hand with imperturbable phlegm. "Good-day! So you recognized me, did you?" "The instant I laid my eyes on you. It wasn't enough to hide your face; you should have covered up that charming dimple, and your pearly teeth. When you wish to disguise yourself, coquette, cover your whole face! but you were not careful--_et fugit ad salices_--" "Enough!" said Nanon, imperiously; "let us talk seriously." "I ask nothing better; only by talking seriously can business be properly transacted." "You say that the Vicomtesse de Cambes is here?" "In person." "And that Monsieur de Canolles is entering the inn at this moment?" "Not yet; he dismounts and throws his rein to his servant. Ah! he has been seen yonder also. See, the window with the yellow curtains opens, and the viscountess puts out her head. Ah! she gives a little shriek of delight. Monsieur de Canolles darts into the house; get out of sight, little sister, or all will be lost." Nanon threw herself back, convulsively pressing Cauvignac's hand, as he gazed at her with an air of paternal compassion. "And I was going to Paris to join him!" cried Nanon. "I risked everything for the sake of seeing him again!"