Both M. Livret and M. d’Orbec had forgotten that when Count Henri d’Henriel was received at Tourdestelle, the arrival of the Englishman was pleasantly anticipated by them as an eclipse of the handsome boy; but a foreign interloper is quickly dispossessed of all means of pleasing save that one of taking his departure; and they now talked of Count Henri’s disgrace and banishment in a very warm spirit of sympathy, not at all seeing why it should be made to depend upon the movements of this M. Beauchamp, as it appeared to be.  Madame d’Auffray heard some of their dialogue, and hurried with a mouth full of comedy to Renee, who did not reproach them for silly beings, as would be done elsewhere.  On the contrary, she appreciated a scene of such absolute comedy, recognizing it instantly as a situation plucked out of human nature.  She compared them to republicans that regretted the sovereign they had deposed for a pretender to start up and govern them.

‘Who hurries them round to the legitimate king again!’ said Madame d’Auffray.

Renee cast her chin up.  ‘How, my dear?’

‘Your husband.’

‘What of him?’

‘He is returning.’

‘What brings him?’

’You should ask who, my Renee!  I was sure he would not hear of M. Beauchamp’s being here, without an effort to return and do the honours of the chateau.’

Renee looked hard at her, saying, ’How thoughtful of you!  You must have made use of the telegraph wires to inform him that M. Beauchamp was with us.’

‘More; I made use of them to inform him that M. Beauchamp was expected.’

’And that was enough to bring him!  He pays M. Beauchamp a wonderful compliment.’

’Such as he would pay to no other man, my Renee.  Virtually it is the highest of compliments to you.  I say that to M. Beauchamp’s credit; for Raoul has met him, and, whatever his personal feeling may be, must know your friend is a man of honour.’

‘My friend is . . . yes, I have no reason to think otherwise,’ Renee replied.  Her husband’s persistent and exclusive jealousy of Beauchamp was the singular point in the character of one who appeared to have no sentiment of the kind as regarded men that were much less than men of honour.  ‘So, then, my sister Agnes,’ she said, ’you suggested the invitation of M. Beauchamp for the purpose of spurring my husband to return!  Apparently he and I are surrounded by plotters.’

‘Am I so very guilty?’ said Madame d’Auffray.

’If that mad boy, half idiot, half panther, were by chance to insult M. Beauchamp, you would feel so.’

’You have taken precautions to prevent their meeting; and besides, M. Beauchamp does not fight.’

Renee flushed crimson.

Madame d’Auffray added, ’I do not say that he is other than a perfectly brave and chivalrous gentleman.’