He had seen through the little drama that had been played by Marteau and the Countess Laure in her bedchamber.

That was one reason why he would fain have saved him, because he had so gallantly allowed himself to occupy the hideous role which he had assumed, to save the girl's honor.
The Marquis had not the faintest suspicion that there was anything wrong in the situation, or even that his niece had actually given her heart to this man.

Such a thought could not be entertained at all.
It was inconceivable, but he knew that, however innocent might have been that meeting, if it had been prearranged the world would consider the Countess disgraced, unless the explanation which Marteau had suggested was allowed to become current.

He had summoned his niece before him, and had sought in every way to force her to tell him the whole truth, but she had partaken, in some degree, of Marteau's stubbornness.

All she would say was, that Marteau was innocent of any crime or any wrong.