You know who I mean."
"That girl!" echoed the count. "Madame, the author of a wrong is bound
to repair it. I give you my word of honor that she is really the
daughter of the Duc de Verneuil."
"Monsieur le comte," said the marquis, in a changed voice, "which of
your statements am I to believe,--that of La Vivetiere, or that now
made?"
The loud voice of a servant at the door announced Mademoiselle de
Verneuil. The count sprang forward instantly, offered his hand to the
beautiful woman with every mark of profound respect, and led her
through the inquisitive crowd to the marquis and Madame du Gua.
"Believe the one now made," he replied to the astonished young leader.
Madame du Gua turned pale at the unwelcome sight of the girl, who
stood for a moment, glancing proudly over the assembled company, among
whom she sought to find the guests at La Vivetiere. She awaited the
forced salutation of her rival, and, without even looking at the
marquis, she allowed the count to lead her to the place of honor
beside Madame du Gua, whose bow she returned with an air that was
slightly protecting. But the latter, with a woman's instinct, took no
offense; on the contrary, she immediately assumed a smiling, friendly
manner. The extraordinary dress and beauty of Mademoiselle de Verneuil
caused a murmur throughout the ballroom. When the marquis and Madame
du Gua looked towards the late guests at La Vivetiere they saw them in
an attitude of respectful admiration which was not assumed; each
seemed desirous of recovering favor with the misjudged young woman.
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