He advanced a few steps, like an actor about to address his audience; cast fierce glances on all sides of him, and cleared his throat with a sound that echoed like the bass notes of a grand piano.

Then he spoke in a voice of thunder: "My dear guests and friends, permit me to present to you the Marquise de Campvallon d'Armignes!" An iceberg at the North Pole is not colder than was the General's salon at this announcement.
He held the young lady by the hand, and retaining his position in the centre of the room, launched out fierce glances.

Then his eyes began to wander and roll convulsively in their sockets, as if he was himself astonished at the effect his announcement had produced.
Camors was the first to come to the rescue, and taking his hand, said: "Accept, my dear General, my congratulations.

I am extremely happy, and rejoice at your good fortune; the more so, as I feel the lady is so well worthy of you." Then, bowing to Mademoiselle d'Estrelles with a grave grace, he pressed her hand, and turning away, was struck dumb at seeing Madame de la Roche-Jugan in the arms of the General.

She passed from his into those of Mademoiselle d'Estrelles, who feared at first, from the violence of the caresses, that there was a secret design to strangle her.
"General," said Madame de la Roche-Jugan in a plaintive voice, "you remember I always recommended her to you.