An indescribable anxiety oppressed the Dreux-Soubise and their guests. There was something in the tone and attitude of Floriani⁠—something more than the chevalier’s assurance which, from the beginning, had so annoyed the count. There was a touch of irony, that seemed rather hostile than sympathetic. But the count affected to laugh, as he said:

“All that is very ingenious and interesting, and I congratulate you upon your vivid imagination.”

“No, not at all,” replied Floriani, with the utmost gravity, “I imagine nothing. I simply describe the events as they must have occurred.”

“But what do you know about them?”