Dr. Hortebise had for some time back given up arguing with Mascarin as to the
advice the latter gave him. He had been ordered not to let Paul out of his sight,
and he obeyed this command literally. He had taken him to dine at M. Martin
Rigal's, though the host himself was absent; from there he took Paul to his club,
and finally wound up by forcing the young man to accept a bed at his house.
They both slept late, and were sitting down to a luxurious breakfast, when the
servant announced M. Tantaine, and that worthy man made his appearance with
the same smile upon his face which Paul remembered so well in the Hotel de
Perou. The sight of him threw the young man into a state of fury. "At last we
meet," cried he. "I have an account to settle with you."
"You have an account to settle with me?" asked Daddy Tantaine with a puzzled
smile.
"Yes; was it not through you that I was accused of theft by that old hag, Madame
Loupins?"
Tantaine shrugged his shoulders.
"Dear me," said he; "I thought that M. Mascarin had explained everything, and
that you were anxious to marry Mademoiselle Flavia, and that, above all, you
were a young man of intelligence and tact."
Hortebise roared with laughter, and Paul, seeing his folly, blushed deeply and
remained silent.
"I regret having disturbed you, doctor," resumed Tantaine, "but I had strict orders
to see you."
"Is there anything new then?"
"Yes; Mademoiselle de Mussidan is out of danger, and M. de Croisenois can
commence proceedings at once."
The doctor drank off a glass of wine. "To the speedy marriage of our dear friend
the Marquis and Mademoiselle Sabine," said he gayly.
"So be it," said Tantaine; "I am also directed to beg M. Paul not to leave this
house, but to send for his luggage and remain here."
Hortebise looked so much annoyed that Tantaine hastened to add: "Only as a
temporary measure, for I am on the lookout for rooms for him now."
Paul looked delighted at the idea of having a home of his own.
"Good!" exclaimed the doctor merrily. "And now, my dear Tantaine, as you have
executed all your commissions, you can stay and breakfast with us."
"Thanks for the honor; but I am very busy with affairs of the Duke de Champdoce
and must see Perpignan at once." As he spoke he rose, making a little sign
which Paul did not catch, and Hortebise accompanied him to the door of the
vestibule. "Don't leave that lad alone," said Tantaine; "I will see about him to-
morrow; meanwhile prepare him a little."
"I comprehend," answered Hortebise; "my kind regards to that dear fellow,
Perpignan."
