The Abbe Fouquet walked alone.

Fouquet, with M.
de Charost, walked as if entirely absorbed in the conversation of his son-in-law.

"Messieurs," said he, "let no one of you raise his head as he walks, or appear to pay attention to me; continue walking, we are alone, listen to me." A perfect silence ensued, disturbed only by the distant cries of the joyous guests, from the groves whence they beheld the fireworks.

It was a whimsical spectacle this, of these men walking in groups, as if each one was occupied about something, whilst lending attention really only to one amongst them, who, himself, seemed to be speaking only to his companion.

"Messieurs," said Fouquet, "you have, without doubt, remarked the absence of two of my friends this evening, who were with us on Wednesday.