But no one as yet referred openly to the great news of Suzanne and du Bousquier.

Provincials possess in the highest degree the art of distilling gossip; the right moment for openly discussing this strange affair had not arrived; it was first necessary that all present should put themselves on record.

So the whispers went round from ear to ear:-- "You have heard ?" "Yes." "Du Bousquier ?" "And that handsome Suzanne." "Does Mademoiselle Cormon know of it ?" "No." "Ha!" This was the _piano_ of the scandal; the _rinforzando_ would break forth as soon as the first course had been removed.

Suddenly Monsieur de Valois's eyes lighted on Madame Granson, arrayed in her green hat with bunches of auriculas, and beaming with evident joy.

Was it merely the joy of opening the concert?
Though such a piece of news was like a gold mine to work in the monotonous lives of these personages, the observant and distrustful chevalier thought he recognized in the worthy woman a far more extended sentiment; namely, the joy caused by the triumph of self-interest.