Part 40 (2/2)
”Ah!” the mud exclaimed, with familiarity, ”it's a good thing you've come. Mademoiselle has been so anxious about you. Most of them are in a fine state.”
”What! have they had supper, then?”
”Yes; and there are several fresh people--swells.”
”Who are they?”
”You'll see.”
”Who's there, Nanette?” asked a shrill, musical voice.
”M'sieur Rouillier, mademoiselle,” replied the girl.
”Ah, Pierre!” said the voice; then it could be heard repeating in another direction: ”Our young friend, Pierre, has arrived.”
Immediately there was a chorus of approbation, and some one commenced singing the first verse of the _chansonette_, ”Pierre, my long-lost love,” as that distinguished personage walked into the room. Valerie was standing at the door, and whispered to him--
”There are some rich men here to-night. We can make a big _coup_ if we are careful.”
Then, turning to her guests, she exclaimed--
”Cease your chatter, please, just for one moment. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you--”
This was greeted with discordant cries--
”Enough! Everybody knows Pierre.”
”Ladies, do please listen to me,” implored Valerie. Continuing, Valerie again endeavoured to make herself heard.
”Gentlemen, I--”
At that moment somebody commenced to strum a waltz upon the piano, and, as if by magic, the twenty persons in the room rose to their feet and commenced to whirl madly round, while Valerie and Pierre stood at the door whispering and regarding the scene of Baccha.n.a.lian revelry with perfect satisfaction.
She liked to see her guests enjoy themselves.
”I want a few moments' private conversation with you,” Pierre said, after they had been standing silent for a minute or two.
She acquiesced at once, and led the way to a small anteroom behind the drawing-room. It was furnished gaudily and cheaply, but quite in keeping with the rest of the house.
As he closed, the door, Pierre said--
”I've some good news.”
”What is it?” she asked.
”Victor has fallen into the trap.”
”Arrested?”
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