CHAPTER IX

ARLETTE ENGAGED ANTOINE FAGERAULT seemed fated to be the source of constant surprises for Jean. The man’s secret friendship with Arlette, their unexpected engagement, the sympathy shown them by the Mélamares, the incredible purchase of the house—all so many thunderbolts, dropped casually in conversation in the manner of commonplace tidings of daily life. And now d’Enneris realized that while he had held aloof the better to judge dispassionately of the situation, the enemy had taken advantage of this withdrawal to b…