"But I'm beginning to be anxious.

His duties will have kept him." Vandeuvres smiled a discreet smile.

He, too, seemed to have his doubts as to the exact nature of the Marquis de Chouard's duties.

Indeed, he had been thinking of a pretty woman whom the marquis occasionally took into the country with him.

Perhaps they could get her too.
In the meantime Fauchery decided that the moment had come in which to risk giving Count Muff his invitation.