Adolphe grew very restless, almost gloomy, and although he was determinedly kept out of Louise's room--where she was holding a gathering of her girl-friends, as I have mentioned--he went back persistently again and again. "Ah! I see," I said to myself, after a moment's reflection, "he wants to obtain news of his quatrain and to know how it has succeeded." And, satisfied with my reasoning, I did not look any farther for the cause of de Leuven's insistence. But I regretted I had not the means with which partial nature had endowed Adolphe, to cause my shortcomings to be forgiven. I was pursued by this regret when in Hippolyte's room, where we withdrew, questioning each other what had become of de Leuven, who had not been seen for an hour, when suddenly we heard a great noise in the midst of which we could make out the words, "_Stop thief!_" echoing through the castle. As we were still dressed, we dashed out of our room and quickly descended the staircase. At the foot of the staircase was M. Collard in his nightshirt, holding Adolphe by his coat collar. It was an extraordinary sight. M. Collard looked furious and Adolphe exceedingly penitent. In the meantime, M. de Leuven, who had not yet gone to bed, arrived on the scene, as imperturbable as ever, his hands in his trousers pockets, chewing a toothpick, after his usual fashion. This toothpick was an indispensable item in M. de Leuven's life.
"Well, well! What is the matter now, Collard? What have you against my boy?"
"What have I? what have I?" shrieked M. Collard, growing more and more exasperated. "I have something that cannot be overlooked."
"What has he done?... I'll tell you what he has done!----"
"Forgive me, father," said Adolphe, trying to get in a word or two of justification,--"forgive me, father, but M. Collard is mistaken.... He believes----"
"Hold your tongue, you scoundrel!" yelled M. Collard, kicking him.
Then, turning to the Count de Ribbing, he said--
"Listen, my dear de Leuven, and I will tell you where I have found this son of yours."
"But I must protest, dear M. Collard, it was solely and simply to----"
"Be quiet!" interrupted M. Collard. "Come with us: you shall clear yourself if you can."
"Oh," said Adolphe, "that will not be difficult."