But, now he was bound for life to a woman whom he did not
love."
At dinner, however, he succeeded in shaking off the sadness that
oppressed him, and when the guests rose to repair to the drawing-rooms,
he had almost forgotten his dark forebodings. He was rising in his turn,
when a servant approached him with a mysterious air.
"Someone desires to see the marquis," whispered the valet.
"Who?"
"A young peasant who will not give his name."
"On one's wedding-day, one must grant an audience to everybody," said
Martial.
And gay and smiling he descended the staircase.
In the vestibule, lined with rare and fragrant plants, stood a young
man. He was very pale, and his eyes glittered with feverish brilliancy.
On recognizing him Martial could not restrain an exclamation of
surprise.
"Jean Lacheneur!" he exclaimed; "imprudent man!"
The young man stepped forward.
"You believed that you were rid of me," he said, bitterly. "Instead, I
return from afar. You can have your people arrest me if you choose."
Martial's face crimsoned at the insult; but he retained his composure.
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