At the sight of M. d'Escorval he uttered an oath. But there was more
sorrow and anxiety than anger in his manner, as he said:

"You, Monsieur, you here!"

The consternation into which Marie-Anne's words had thrown M. d'Escorval
was so intense that it was with great difficulty he stammered out a
response.

"You have abandoned us entirely; I was anxious about you. Have you
forgotten our old friendship? I come to you----"

The brow of the former master of Sairmeuse remained overcast.

"Why did you not inform me of the honor that the baron had done me,
Marie-Anne?" he said sternly.

She tried to speak, but could not; and it was the baron who replied:

"Why, I have but just come, my dear friend."

M. Lacheneur looked suspiciously, first at his daughter, then at the
baron.

"What did they say to each other while they were alone?" he was
evidently wondering.

But, however great may have been his disquietude, he seemed to master
it; and it was with his old-time affability of manner that he invited M.
d'Escorval to follow him into the adjoining room.