"It is
strange that I can't have five minutes' peace and quietness," he
said. "I told you that I was at home to no one."
"But----"
"Enough! Let the lady and gentleman wait."
The servant withdrew.
The thought of passing out through the drawing-room filled Pascal
with consternation. How could he hope to escape Madame Leon's
keen eyes? Fortunately M. de Valorsay came to his relief, for as
Pascal was about to open the same door by which he had entered,
the marquis exclaimed: "Not that way! Pass out here--this is the
shortest way."
And leading him through his bedroom the marquis conducted him to
the staircase, where he even feigned to offer him his hand,
saying: "A speedy return, dear M. Maumejan."
It is not at the moment of peril that people endure the worst
agony; it is afterward, when they have escaped it. As he went
down the staircase, Pascal wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
"Ah! it was a narrow escape!" he exclaimed, under his breath.
He felt proud of the manner in which he had sustained a part so
repugnant to his nature. He was amazed to find that he could
utter falsehoods with such a calm, unblushing face--he was
astonished at his own audacity. And what a success he had
achieved! He felt certain that he had just slipped round M. de
Valorsay's neck the noose which would strangle him later on.
Still he was considerably disturbed by Madame Leon's visit to the
marquis.
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