The Danglars mansion emptied like an infectious disease broke out among the guests.
Just minutes ago, soldiers had burst into the elegant party, exposing Andrea Cavalcanti as an escaped convict and murderer. Now the guests fled in every direction, through doors, down staircases, abandoning all pretense of polite society. No one wanted to be associated with this scandal.
Only a handful of people remained in the vast house. Monsieur Danglars locked himself in his study, giving his statement to the police captain. Madame Danglars hid in her private room, terrified of what would happen next. And Eugénie Danglars, the would-be bride, stormed to her bedroom with her head held high and fury burning in her eyes. Her constant companion, Louise d'Armilly, followed close behind, pale and shaken.
