Monsieur de Merval, who seemed far from convinced by the lamentations of his old acquaintance, rejoined:
"And Monsieur de Roncherolle, what have you done with him, madame? He was a very amiable, very gallant gentleman, who had great success with the ladies. A good-looking fellow, a hard drinker, and of a courage proof against any test; he had everything that a man needs to succeed."
The face of the abandoned wife had undergone a complete transformation; her lips were compressed, her brow was wrinkled, her eyes assumed a vague expression, and she retorted in a decidedly curt tone:
"Why do you apply to me for news of Monsieur de Roncherolle? What reason have you to think that I can tell you anything about him?"
"Really, madame, I had no idea of offending you by asking you that question; but a good friend of mine who met you thirteen or fourteen years ago in the Pyrenees, at the Baths of Bagnères, I believe, told me then that you were travelling with Roncherolle; that was what made me think that perhaps you still kept up some relations with him."
"Oh! yes," she stammered, "that is true; I did meet Monsieur de Roncherolle when I was travelling in the Pyrenees, and we travelled together for some little time. Well, Monsieur de Merval, do you see any harm in that? After all, wasn't I at liberty to travel with whomever I pleased, since I had already been separated from my husband for several years?"
"I have already had the honor to tell you, madame, that I see no harm anywhere; I simply repeated what I have heard, as we were talking of our old acquaintances, that is all.--And in your financial affairs, I most sincerely hope that you have not suffered, madame? You had an independent fortune, I believe?"
"Yes, that is true, I had a fortune--I had one."
"What! have you had the misfortune to suffer from somebody's bankruptcy?"
"Why, yes, I think so; and then, you know, women are so stupid about managing their property."
"But when it is simply a matter of receiving income, one does not need a business agent for that."
The bell rang again. The baroness started, and Monsieur de Merval took his hat, saying:
"Somebody has come to visit you, madame, and I will take my leave."
"Why no, don't go yet, I beg you; it is no visitor, I expect no one; no one ever comes to see me now!"