He watched Maurice as he disappeared, bewildered by the scene he had
just witnessed, and stupefied by what he had just heard; and it was not
until he saw that young d'Escorval was out of hearing that he turned to
Martial.

"As I have had the honor of meeting you, Monsieur le Marquis," said he,
"I deem it my duty to inform you that Chupin and his sons are searching
for you everywhere. It is at the instance of the duke, your father, who
is anxious for you to repair at once to the Chateau de Courtornieu."

He turned to Chanlouineau, and added:

"We will now proceed on our way."

But Martial detained him with a gesture.

"I am much surprised to hear that they are seeking me," said he. "My
father knows very well where he sent me; I was going to your house,
Monsieur, and at his request."

"To my house?"

"To your house, yes, Monsieur, to express our sincere regret at the
scene which took place at the presbytery last evening."

And without waiting for any response, Martial, with wonderful cleverness
and felicity of expression, began to repeat to the father the story
which he had just related to the daughter.

According to his version, his father and himself were in despair. How