Isthishowyoukeepyourpromiseofblindobedience？\"
\"WhatcanIdo，Marguerite？IloveyoutoomuchandIamjealousoftheleastofyourthoughts。Whatyouproposedtomejustnowmademefranticwithdelight，butthemysteryinitscarryingouthurtsmedreadfully。\"
\"Come，letusreasonitout，\"shesaid，takingbothmyhandsandlookingatmewithacharmingsmilewhichitwasimpossibletoresist，\"Youloveme，doyounot？andyouwouldgladlyspendtwoorthreemonthsalonewithmeinthecountry？Itooshouldbegladofthissolitudeadeux，andnotonlygladofit，butmyhealthrequiresit。IcannotleaveParisforsuchalengthoftimewithoutputtingmyaffairsinorder，andtheaffairsofawomanlikemearealwaysingreatconfusion；well，Ihavefoundawaytoreconcileeverything，mymoneyaffairsandmyloveforyou；yes，foryou，don\'tlaugh；Iamsillyenoughtoloveyou！
Andhereyouaretakinglordlyairsandtalkingbigwords。Child，thricechild，onlyrememberthatIloveyou，anddon\'tletanythingdisturbyou。Now，isitagreed？\"
\"Iagreetoallyouwish，asyouknow。\"
\"Then，inlessthanamonth\'stimeweshallbeinsomevillage，walkingbytheriverside，anddrinkingmilk。DoesitseemstrangethatMargueriteGautiershouldspeaktoyoulikethat？
Thefactis，myfriend，thatwhenthisParislife，whichseemstomakemesohappy，doesn\'tburnme，itweariesme，andthenIhavesuddenaspirationstowardacalmerexistencewhichmightrecallmychildhood。Onehasalwayshadachildhood，whateveronebecomes。Don\'tbealarmed；IamnotgoingtotellyouthatIamthedaughterofacolonelonhalf-pay，andthatIwasbroughtupatSaint-Denis。Iamapoorcountrygirl，andsixyearsagoI
couldnotwritemyownname。Youarerelieved，aren\'tyou？WhyisityouarethefirstwhomIhaveeveraskedtosharethejoyofthisdesireofmine？IsupposebecauseIfeelthatyoulovemeformyselfandnotforyourself，whilealltheothershaveonlylovedmeforthemselves。
\"Ihaveoftenbeeninthecountry，butneverasIshouldliketogothere。Icountonyouforthiseasyhappiness；donotbeunkind，letmehaveit。Saythistoyourself：\'Shewillneverlivetobeold，andIshouldsomedaybesorryfornothavingdoneforherthefirstthingsheaskedofme，suchaneasythingtodo！\'\"
WhatcouldIreplytosuchwords，especiallywiththememoryofafirstnightoflove，andintheexpectationofasecond？
AnhourlaterIheldMargueriteinmyarms，and，ifshehadaskedmetocommitacrime，Iwouldhaveobeyedher。
AtsixinthemorningIlefther，andbeforeleavingherIsaid：
\"Tillto-night！\"Shekissedmemorewarmlythanever，butsaidnothing。
DuringthedayIreceivedanotecontainingthesewords：
\"DEARCHILD：Iamnotverywell，andthedoctorhasorderedquiet。Ishallgotobedearlyto-nightandshallnotseeyou。
But，tomakeup，Ishallexpectyouto-morrowattwelve。Iloveyou。\"
Myfirstthoughtwas：Sheisdeceivingme！
Acoldsweatbrokeoutonmyforehead，forIalreadylovedthiswomantoomuchnottobeoverwhelmedbythesuspicion。Andyet，I
wasboundtoexpectsuchathingalmostanydaywithMarguerite，andithadhappenedtomeoftenenoughwithmyothermistresses，withoutmytakingmuchnoticeofit。Whatwasthemeaningoftheholdwhichthiswomanhadtakenuponmylife？
Thenitoccurredtome，sinceIhadthekey，togoandseeherasusual。InthiswayIshouldsoonknowthetruth，andifIfoundamanthereIwouldstrikehimintheface。
MeanwhileIwenttotheChamps-Elysees。Iwaitedtherefourhours。Shedidnotappear。AtnightIwentintoallthetheatreswhereshewasaccustomedtogo。Shewasinnoneofthem。
Ateleveno\'clockIwenttotheRued\'Antin。TherewasnolightinMarguerite\'swindows。Allthesame，Irang。TheporteraskedmewhereIwasgoing。
\"ToMlle。Gautier\'s，\"Isaid。
\"Shehasnotcomein。\"
\"Iwillgoupandwaitforher。\"
\"Thereisnoonethere。\"
EvidentlyIcouldgetin，sinceIhadthekey，but，fearingfoolishscandal，Iwentaway。OnlyIdidnotreturnhome；Icouldnotleavethestreet，andInevertookmyeyesoffMarguerite\'shouse。Itseemedtomethattherewasstillsomethingtobefoundout，oratleastthatmysuspicionswereabouttobeconfirmed。
AboutmidnightacarriagethatIknewwellstoppedbeforeNo。9。
TheComtedeG。gotdownandenteredthehouse，aftersendingawaythecarriage。ForamomentIhopedthatthesameanswerwouldbegiventohimastome，andthatIshouldseehimcomeout；butatfouro\'clockinthemorningIwasstillawaitinghim。
Ihavesuffereddeeplyduringtheselastthreeweeks，butthatisnothing，Ithink，incomparisonwithwhatIsufferedthatnight。
Chapter14
WhenIreachedhomeIbegantocrylikeachild。Thereisnomantowhomawomanhasnotbeenunfaithful，onceatleast，andwhowillnotknowwhatIsuffered。
Isaidtomyself，undertheweightofthesefeverishresolutionswhichonealwaysfeelsasifonehadtheforcetocarryout，thatImustbreakwithmyamouratonce，andIwaitedimpatientlyfordaylightinordertosetoutforthwithtorejoinmyfatherandmysister，ofwhoseloveatleastIwascertain，andcertainthatthatlovewouldneverbebetrayed。
However，IdidnotwishtogoawaywithoutlettingMargueriteknowwhyIwent。Onlyamanwhoreallycaresnomoreforhismistressleavesherwithoutwritingtoher。Imadeandremadetwentylettersinmyhead。Ihadhadtodowithawomanlikeallotherwomenofthekind。Ihadbeenpoetizingtoomuch。Shehadtreatedmelikeaschool-boy，shehadusedindeceivingmeatrickwhichwasinsultinglysimple。Myself-esteemgottheupperhand。Imustleavethiswomanwithoutgivingherthesatisfactionofknowingthatshehadmademesuffer，andthisiswhatIwrotetoherinmymosteleganthandwritingandwithtearsofrageandsorrowinmyeyes：
\"MYDEARMARGUERITE：Ihopethatyourindispositionyesterdaywasnotserious。Icame，atelevenatnight，toaskafteryou，andwastoldthatyouhadnotcomein。M。deG。wasmorefortunate，forhepresentedhimselfshortlyafterward，andatfourinthemorninghehadnotleft。
\"ForgivemeforthefewtedioushoursthatIhavegivenyou，andbeassuredthatIshallneverforgetthehappymomentswhichI
owetoyou。
\"Ishouldhavecalledto-daytoaskafteryou，butIintendgoingbacktomyfather\'s。
\"Good-bye，mydearMarguerite。IamnotrichenoughtoloveyouasIwouldnorpoorenoughtoloveyouasyouwould。Letusthenforget，youanamewhichmustbeindifferentenoughtoyou，Iahappinesswhichhasbecomeimpossible。
\"Isendbackyourkey，whichIhaveneverused，andwhichmightbeusefultoyou，ifyouareoftenillasyouwereyesterday。\"
Asyouwillsee，Iwasunabletoendmyletterwithoutatouchofimpertinentirony，whichprovedhowmuchinloveIstillwas。
Ireadandrereadthislettertentimesover；thenthethoughtofthepainitwouldgivetoMargueritecalmedmealittle。Itriedtopersuademyselfofthefeelingswhichitprofessed；andwhenmyservantcametomyroomateighto\'clock，Igaveittohimandtoldhimtotakeitatonce。
\"ShallIwaitforananswer？\"askedJoseph（myservant，likeallservants，wascalledJoseph）。
\"Iftheyaskwhetherthereisareply，youwillsaythatyoudon\'tknow，andwait。\"
Ibuoyedmyselfupwiththehopethatshewouldreply。Poor，feeblecreaturesthatweare！AllthetimethatmyservantwasawayIwasinastateofextremeagitation。AtonemomentIwouldrecallhowMargueritehadgivenherselftome，andaskmyselfbywhatrightIwroteheranimpertinentletter，whenshecouldreplythatitwasnotM。deG。whosupplantedme，butIwhohadsupplantedM。deG。：amodeofreasoningwhichpermitsmanywomentohavemanylovers。AtanothermomentIwouldrecallherpromises，andendeavourtoconvincemyselfthatmyletterwasonlytoogentle，andthattherewerenotexpressionsforcibleenoughtopunishawomanwholaughedatalovelikemine。ThenI
saidtomyselfthatIshouldhavedonebetternottohavewrittentoher，buttohavegonetoseeher，andthatthenIshouldhavehadthepleasureofseeingthetearsthatshewouldshed。
Finally，Iaskedmyselfwhatshewouldreplytome；alreadypreparedtobelievewhateverexcuseshemade。
Josephreturned。
\"Well？\"Isaidtohim。
\"Sir，\"saidhe，\"madamewasnotup，andstillasleep，butassoonassheringstheletterwillbetakentoher，andifthereisanyreplyitwillbesent。\"
Shewasasleep！
TwentytimesIwasonthepointofsendingtogettheletterback，buteverytimeIsaidtomyself：\"Perhapsshewillhavegotitalready，anditwouldlookasifIhaverepentedofsendingit。\"
Asthehouratwhichitseemedlikelythatshewouldreplycamenearer，IregrettedmoreandmorethatIhadwritten。Theclockstruck，ten，eleven，twelve。AttwelveIwasonthepointofkeepingtheappointmentasifnothinghadhappened。IntheendI
couldseenowayoutofthecircleoffirewhichcloseduponme。
ThenIbegantobelieve，withthesuperstitionwhichpeoplehavewhentheyarewaiting，thatifIwentoutforalittlewhile，I
shouldfindananswerwhenIgotback。Iwentoutunderthepretextofgoingtolunch。
InsteadoflunchingattheCafeFoy，atthecorneroftheBoulevard，asIusuallydid，IpreferredtogotothePalaisRoyalandsopassthroughtheRued\'Antin。EverytimethatIsawawomanatadistance，IfancieditwasNaninebringingmeananswer。IpassedthroughtheRued\'Antinwithoutevencomingacrossacommissionaire。IwenttoVery\'sinthePalaisRoyal。
Thewaitergavemesomethingtoeat，orratherserveduptomewhateverheliked，forIatenothing。Inspiteofmyself，myeyeswereconstantlyfixedontheclock。Ireturnedhome，certainthatIshouldfindaletterfromMarguerite。
Theporterhadreceivednothing，butIstillhopedinmyservant。
HehadseennoonesinceIwentout。
IfMargueritehadbeengoingtoanswermeshewouldhaveansweredlongbefore。
ThenIbegantoregretthetermsofmyletter；Ishouldhavesaidabsolutelynothing，andthatwouldundoubtedlyhavearousedhersuspicions，for，findingthatIdidnotkeepmyappointment，shewouldhaveinquiredthereasonofmyabsence，andonlythenI
shouldhavegivenittoher。Thus，shewouldhavehadtoexculpateherself，andwhatIwantedwasforhertoexculpateherself。IalreadyrealizedthatIshouldhavebelievedwhateverreasonsshehadgivenme，andanythingwasbetterthannottoseeheragain。
AtlastIbegantobelievethatshewouldcometoseemeherself；
buthourfollowedhour，andshedidnotcome。
DecidedlyMargueritewasnotlikeotherwomen，fortherearefewwhowouldhavereceivedsuchaletterasIhadjustwrittenwithoutansweringitatall。
Atfive，IhastenedtotheChamps-Elysees。\"IfImeether，\"I
thought，\"Iwillputonanindifferentair，andshewillbeconvincedthatInolongerthinkabouther。\"
AsIturnedthecorneroftheRueRoyale，Isawherpassinhercarriage。ThemeetingwassosuddenthatIturnedpale。Idonotknowifshesawmyemotion；asforme，IwassoagitatedthatI
sawnothingbutthecarriage。
IdidnotgoanyfartherinthedirectionoftheChamps-Elysees。
Ilookedattheadvertisementsofthetheatres，forIhadstillachanceofseeingher。TherewasafirstnightatthePalaisRoyal。Margueritewassuretobethere。Iwasatthetheatrebyseven。Theboxesfilledoneafteranother，butMargueritewasnotthere。IleftthePalaisRoyalandwenttoallthetheatreswhereshewasmostoftentobeseen：totheVaudeville，theVarietes，theOperaComique。Shewasnowhere。
Eithermyletterhadtroubledhertoomuchforhertocaretogotothetheatre，orshefearedtocomeacrossme，andsowishedtoavoidanexplanation。Somyvanitywaswhisperingtomeontheboulevards，whenImetGaston，whoaskedmewhereIhadbeen。
\"AtthePalaisRoyal。\"
\"AndIattheOpera，\"saidhe；\"Iexpectedtoseeyouthere。\"
\"Why？\"
\"BecauseMargueritewasthere。\"
\"Ah，shewasthere？\"
\"Yes。
\"Alone？\"
\"No；withanotherwoman。\"
\"Thatall？\"
\"TheComtedeG。cametoherboxforaninstant；butshewentoffwiththeduke。Iexpectedtoseeyoueverymoment，fortherewasastallatmysidewhichremainedemptythewholeevening，andI
wassureyouhadtakenit。\"
\"ButwhyshouldIgowhereMargueritegoes？\"
\"Becauseyouareherlover，surely！\"
\"Whotoldyouthat？\"
\"Prudence，whomImetyesterday。Igiveyoumycongratulations，mydearfellow；sheisacharmingmistress，anditisn\'teverybodywhohasthechance。Sticktoher；shewilldoyoucredit。\"
ThesesimplereflectionsofGastonshowedmehowabsurdhadbeenmysusceptibilities。IfIhadonlymethimthenightbeforeandhehadspokentomelikethat，IshouldcertainlynothavewrittenthefoolishletterwhichIhadwritten。
IwasonthepointofcallingonPrudence，andofsendinghertotellMargueritethatIwantedtospeaktoher；butIfearedthatshewouldrevengeherselfonmebysayingthatshecouldnotseeme，andIreturnedhome，afterpassingthroughtheRued\'Antin。
AgainIaskedmyporteriftherewasaletterforme。Nothing！
SheiswaitingtoseeifIshalltakesomefreshstep，andifI
retractmyletterofto-day，IsaidtomyselfasIwenttobed；
but，seeingthatIdonotwrite，shewillwritetometo-morrow。
Thatnight，morethanever，IreproachedmyselfforwhatIhaddone。Iwasalone，unabletosleep，devouredbyrestlessnessandjealousy，whenbysimplylettingthingstaketheirnaturalcourseIshouldhavebeenwithMarguerite，hearingthedeliciouswordswhichIhadheardonlytwice，andwhichmademyearsburninmysolitude。
Themostfrightfulpartofthesituationwasthatmyjudgmentwasagainstme；asamatteroffact，everythingwenttoprovethatMargueritelovedme。First，herproposaltospendthesummerwithmeinthecountry，thenthecertaintythattherewasnoreasonwhysheshouldbemymistress，sincemyincomewasinsufficientforherneedsandevenforhercaprices。Therecouldnotthenhavebeenonherpartanythingbutthehopeoffindinginmeasincereaffection，abletogiveherrestfromthemercenarylovesinwhosemidstshelived；andontheveryseconddayIhaddestroyedthishope，andpaidbyimpertinentironyforthelovewhichIhadacceptedduringtwonights。WhatIhaddonewasthereforenotmerelyridiculous，itwasindelicate。Ihadnotevenpaidthewoman，thatImighthavesomerighttofindfaultwithher；withdrawingaftertwodays，wasInotlikeaparasiteoflove，afraidofhavingtopaythebillofthebanquet？What！I
hadonlyknownMargueriteforthirty-sixhours；Ihadbeenherloverforonlytwenty-four；andinsteadofbeingtoohappythatsheshouldgrantmeallthatshedid，Iwantedtohaveheralltomyself，andtomakeherseveratonestrokeallherpastrelationswhichweretherevenueofherfuture。WhathadItoreproachinher？Nothing。Shehadwrittentosayshewasunwell，whenshemighthavesaidtomequitecrudely，withthehideousfranknessofcertainwomen，thatshehadtoseealover；and，insteadofbelievingherletter，insteadofgoingtoanystreetinParisexcepttheRued\'Antin，insteadofspendingtheeveningwithmyfriends，andpresentingmyselfnextdayattheappointedhour，IwasactingtheOthello，spyinguponher，andthinkingtopunishherbyseeinghernomore。But，onthecontrary，sheoughttobeenchantedatthisseparation。Sheoughttofindmesupremelyfoolish，andhersilencewasnoteventhatofrancour；
itwascontempt。
ImighthavemadeMargueriteapresentwhichwouldleavenodoubtastomygenerosityandpermitmetofeelproperlyquitsofher，asofakeptwoman，butIshouldhavefeltthatIwasoffendingbytheleastappearanceoftrafficking，ifnotthelovewhichshehadforme，atalleventsthelovewhichIhadforher，andsincethislovewassopurethatitcouldadmitnodivision，itcouldnotpaybyapresent，howevergenerous，thehappinessthatithadreceived，howevershortthathappinesshadbeen。
ThatiswhatIsaidtomyselfallnightlong，andwhatIwaseverymomentpreparedtogoandsaytoMarguerite。WhenthedaydawnedIwasstillsleepless。Iwasinafever。IcouldthinkofnothingbutMarguerite。
Asyoucanimagine，itwastimetotakeadecidedstep，andfinisheitherwiththewomanorwithone\'sscruples，if，thatis，shewouldstillbewillingtoseeme。Butyouknowwell，oneisalwaysslowintakingadecidedstep；so，unabletoremainwithindoorsandnotdaringtocallonMarguerite，Imadeoneattemptinherdirection，anattemptthatIcouldalwayslookuponasamerechanceifitsucceeded。
Itwasnineo\'clock，andIwentatoncetocalluponPrudence，whoaskedtowhatsheowedthisearlyvisit。Idarednottellherfranklywhatbroughtme。IrepliedthatIhadgoneoutearlyinordertoreserveaplaceinthediligenceforC。，wheremyfatherlived。
\"Youarefortunate，\"shesaid，\"inbeingabletogetawayfromParisinthisfineweather。\"
IlookedatPrudence，askingmyselfwhethershewaslaughingatme，butherfacewasquiteserious。
\"Shallyougoandsaygood-byetoMarguerite？\"shecontinued，asseriouslyasbefore。
\"No。\"
\"Youarequiteright。\"
\"Youthinkso？\"
\"Naturally。Sinceyouhavebrokenwithher，whyshouldyouseeheragain？\"
\"Youknowitisbrokenoff？\"
\"Sheshowedmeyourletter。\"
\"Whatdidshesayaboutit？\"
\"Shesaid：\'MydearPrudence，yourprotegeisnotpolite；onethinkssuchletters，onedoesnotwritethem。\"\'
\"Inwhattonedidshesaythat？\"
\"Laughingly，andsheadded：\"Hehashadsupperwithmetwice，andhasn\'tevencalled。\"\'
That，then，wastheeffectproducedbymyletterandmyjealousy。
Iwascruellyhumiliatedinthevanityofmyaffection。
\"Whatdidshedolastnight？\"
\"Shewenttotheopera。\"
\"Iknow。Andafterward？\"
\"Shehadsupperathome。\"
\"Alone？\"
\"WiththeComtedeG。，Ibelieve。\"
Somybreakingwithherhadnotchangedoneofherhabits。Itisforsuchreasonsasthisthatcertainpeoplesaytoyou：Don\'thaveanythingmoretodowiththewoman；shecaresnothingaboutyou。
\"Well，IamverygladtofindthatMargueritedoesnotputherselfoutforme，\"Isaidwithaforcedsmile。
\"Shehasverygoodreasonnotto。Youhavedonewhatyouwereboundtodo。Youhavebeenmorereasonablethanshe，forshewasreallyinlovewithyou；shedidnothingbuttalkofyou。Idon\'tknowwhatshewouldnothavebeencapableofdoing。\"
\"Whyhasn\'tsheansweredme，ifshewasinlovewithme？\"
\"Becausesherealizesshewasmistakeninlettingherselfloveyou。Womensometimesallowyoutobeunfaithfultotheirlove；
theyneverallowyoutowoundtheirself-esteem；andonealwayswoundstheself-esteemofawomanwhen，twodaysafteronehasbecomeherlover，oneleavesher，nomatterforwhatreason。I
knowMarguerite；shewoulddiesoonerthanreply。\"
\"WhatcanIdo，then？\"
\"Nothing。Shewillforgetyou，youwillforgether，andneitherwillhaveanyreproachtomakeagainsttheother。\"
\"ButifIwriteandaskherforgiveness？\"
\"Don\'tdothat，forshewouldforgiveyou。\"
IcouldhaveflungmyarmsroundPrudence\'sneck。
AquarterofanhourlaterIwasoncemoreinmyownquarters，andIwrotetoMarguerite：
\"Someone，whorepentsofaletterthathewroteyesterdayandwhowillleaveParisto-morrowifyoudonotforgivehim，wishestoknowatwhathourhemightlayhisrepentanceatyourfeet。
\"Whencanhefindyoualone？for，youknow，confessionsmustbemadewithoutwitnesses。\"
Ifoldedthiskindofmadrigalinprose，andsentitbyJoseph，whohandedittoMargueriteherself；sherepliedthatshewouldsendtheanswerlater。
Ionlywentouttohaveahastydinner，andatelevenintheeveningnoreplyhadcome。Imadeupmymindtoendureitnolonger，andtosetoutnextday。Inconsequenceofthisresolution，andconvincedthatIshouldnotsleepifIwenttobed，Ibegantopackupmythings。
Chapter15
ItwashardlyanhourafterJosephandIhadbegunpreparingformydeparture，whentherewasaviolentringatthedoor。
\"ShallIgotothedoor？\"saidJoseph。
\"Go，\"Isaid，askingmyselfwhoitcouldbeatsuchanhour，andnotdaringtobelievethatitwasMarguerite。
\"Sir，\"saidJosephcomingbacktome，\"itistwoladies。\"
\"Itiswe，Armand，\"criedavoicethatIrecognisedasthatofPrudence。
Icameoutofmyroom。Prudencewasstandinglookingaroundtheplace；Marguerite，seatedonthesofa，wasmeditating。Iwenttoher，kneltdown，tookhertwohands，and，deeplymoved，saidtoher，\"Pardon。\"
Shekissedmeontheforehead，andsaid：
\"ThisisthethirdtimethatIhaveforgivenyou。\"
\"Ishouldhavegoneawayto-morrow。\"
\"Howcanmyvisitchangeyourplans？IhavenotcometohinderyoufromleavingParis。IhavecomebecauseIhadnotimetoansweryouduringtheday，andIdidnotwishtoletyouthinkthatIwasangrywithyou。Prudencedidn\'twantmetocome；shesaidthatImightbeintheway。\"
\"Youintheway，Marguerite！Buthow？\"
\"Well，youmighthavehadawomanhere，\"saidPrudence，\"anditwouldhardlyhavebeenamusingforhertoseetwomorearrive。\"
DuringthisremarkMargueritelookedatmeattentively。
\"MydearPrudence，\"Ianswered，\"youdonotknowwhatyouaresaying。\"
\"Whataniceplaceyou\'vegot！\"Prudencewenton。\"Mayweseethebedroom？\"
\"Yes。\"
Prudencewentintothebedroom，notsomuchtoseeitastomakeupforthefoolishthingwhichshehadjustsaid，andtoleaveMargueriteandmealone。
\"WhydidyoubringPrudence？\"Iaskedher。
\"Becauseshewasatthetheatrewithme，andbecausewhenIleavehereIwanttohavesomeonetoseemehome。\"
\"CouldnotIdo？\"
\"Yes，but，besidesnotwishingtoputyouout，Iwassurethatifyoucameasfarasmydooryouwouldwanttocomeup，andasI
couldnotletyou，Ididnotwishtoletyougoawayblamingmeforsaying\'No。\'\"
\"Andwhycouldyounotletmecomeup？\"
\"BecauseIamwatched，andtheleastsuspicionmightdomethegreatestharm。\"
\"Isthatreallytheonlyreason？\"
\"Iftherewereanyother，Iwouldtellyou；forwearenottohaveanysecretsfromoneanothernow。\"
\"Come，Marguerite，IamnotgoingtotakearoundaboutwayofsayingwhatIreallywanttosay。Honestly，doyoucareformealittle？\"
\"Agreatdeal。\"
\"Thenwhydidyoudeceiveme？\"
\"Myfriend，ifIweretheDuchessSoandSo，ifIhadtwohundredthousandfrancsayear，andifIwereyourmistressandhadanotherlover，youwouldhavetherighttoaskme；butIamMlle。
MargueriteGautier，Iamfortythousandfrancsindebt，Ihavenotapennyofmyown，andIspendahundredthousandfrancsayear。Yourquestionbecomesunnecessaryandmyansweruseless。\"
\"Youareright，\"Isaid，lettingmyheadsinkonherknees；\"butIloveyoumadly。\"
\"Well，myfriend，youmusteitherlovemealittlelessorunderstandmealittlebetter。Yourlettergavemeagreatdealofpain。IfIhadbeenfree，firstofallIwouldnothaveseenthecountthedaybeforeyesterday，or，ifIhad，Ishouldhavecomeandaskedyourforgivenessasyouaskmenow，andinfutureIshouldhavehadnootherloverbutyou。IfanciedforamomentthatImightgivemyselfthathappinessforsixmonths；youwouldnothaveit；youinsistedonknowingthemeans。Well，goodheavens，themeanswereeasyenoughtoguess！InemployingthemI
wasmakingagreatersacrificeforyouthanyouimagine。Imighthavesaidtoyou，\'Iwanttwentythousandfrancs\'；youwereinlovewithmeandyouwouldhavefoundthem，attheriskofreproachingmeforitlateron。Ipreferredtooweyounothing；
youdidnotunderstandthescruple，forsuchitwas。Thoseofuswhoarelikeme，whenwehaveanyheartatall，wegiveameaningandadevelopmenttowordsandthingsunknowntootherwomen；I
repeat，then，thatonthepartofMargueriteGautierthemeanswhichsheusedtopayherdebtswithoutaskingyouforthemoneynecessaryforit，wasascruplebywhichyououghttoprofit，withoutsayinganything。Ifyouhadonlymetmeto-day，youwouldbetoodelightedwithwhatIpromisedyou，andyouwouldnotquestionmeastowhatIdidthedaybeforeyesterday。Wearesometimesobligedtobuythesatisfactionofoursoulsattheexpenseofourbodies，andwesufferstillmore，when，afterward，thatsatisfactionisdeniedus。\"
Ilistened，andIgazedatMargueritewithadmiration。WhenI
thoughtthatthismarvellouscreature，whosefeetIhadoncelongedtokiss，waswillingtoletmetakemyplaceinherthoughts，mypartinherlife，andthatIwasnotyetcontentwithwhatshegaveme，Iaskedifman\'sdesirehasindeedlimitswhen，satisfiedaspromptlyasminehadbeen，itreachedaftersomethingfurther。
\"Truly，\"shecontinued，\"wepoorcreaturesofchancehavefantasticdesiresandinconceivableloves。Wegiveourselvesnowforonething，nowforanother。Therearemenwhoruinthemselveswithoutobtainingtheleastthingfromus；thereareotherswhoobtainusforabouquetofflowers。Ourheartshavetheircaprices；itistheironedistractionandtheironeexcuse。I
gavemyselftoyousoonerthanIeverdidtoanyman，Isweartoyou；anddoyouknowwhy？Becausewhenyousawmespittingbloodyoutookmyhand；becauseyouwept；becauseyouaretheonlyhumanbeingwhohaseverpitiedme。Iamgoingtosayamadthingtoyou：IoncehadalittledogwholookedatmewithasadlookwhenIcoughed；thatistheonlycreatureIeverloved。WhenhediedIcriedmorethanwhenmymotherdied。Itistruethatfortwelveyearsofherlifesheusedtobeatme。Well，Ilovedyouallatonce，asmuchasmydog。Ifmenknewwhattheycanhaveforatear，theywouldbebetterlovedandweshouldbelessruinoustothem。
\"Yourletterundeceivedme；itshowedmethatyoulackedtheintelligenceoftheheart；itdidyoumoreharmwithmethananythingyoucouldpossiblyhavedone。Itwasjealousycertainly，butironicalandimpertinentjealousy。IwasalreadyfeelingsadwhenIreceivedyourletter。Iwaslookingforwardtoseeingyouattwelve，tohavinglunchwithyou，andwipingout，byseeingyou，athoughtwhichwaswithmeincessantly，andwhich，beforeI
knewyou，Ihadnodifficultyintolerating。
\"Then，\"continuedMarguerite，\"youweretheonlypersonbeforewhomitseemedtome，fromthefirst，thatIcouldthinkandspeakfreely。Allthosewhocomeaboutwomenlikemehaveaninterestincalculatingtheirslightestwords，inthinkingoftheconsequencesoftheirmostinsignificantactions。Naturallywehavenofriends。Wehaveselfishloverswhospendtheirfortunes，riotonus，astheysay，butontheirownvanity。Forthesepeoplewehavetobemerrywhentheyaremerry，wellwhentheywanttosup，scepticslikethemselves。Wearenotallowedtohavehearts，underpenaltyofbeinghooteddownandofruiningourcredit。
\"Wenolongerbelongtoourselves。Wearenolongerbeings，butthings。Westandfirstintheirself-esteem，lastintheiresteem。Wehavewomenwhocallthemselvesourfriends，buttheyarefriendslikePrudence，womenwhowereoncekeptandwhohavestillthecostlytastesthattheiragedoesnotallowthemtogratify。Thentheybecomeourfriends，orratherourguestsattable。Theirfriendshipiscarriedtothepointofservility，nevertothatofdisinterestedness。Neverdotheygiveyouadvicewhichisnotlucrative。Itmeanslittleenoughtothemthatweshouldhavetenloversextra，aslongastheygetdressesorabraceletoutofthem，andthattheycandriveinourcarriagefromtimetotimeorcometoourboxatthetheatre。Theyhaveourlastnight\'sbouquets，andtheyborrowourshawls。Theyneverrenderusaservice，howeverslight，withoutseeingthattheyarepaidtwiceitsvalue。YouyourselfsawwhenPrudencebroughtmethesixthousandfrancsthatIhadaskedhertogetfromtheduke，howsheborrowedfivehundredfrancs，whichshewillneverpaymeback，orwhichshewillpaymeinhats，whichwillneverbetakenoutoftheirboxes。
\"Wecannot，then，have，orratherIcannothavemorethanonepossiblekindofhappiness，andthisis，sadasIsometimesam，sufferingasIalwaysam，tofindamansuperiorenoughnottoaskquestionsaboutmylife，andtobetheloverofmyimpressionsratherthanofmybody。SuchamanIfoundintheduke；butthedukeisold，andoldageneitherprotectsnorconsoles。IthoughtIcouldacceptthelifewhichheofferedme；
butwhatwouldyouhave？Iwasdyingofennui，andifoneisboundtobeconsumed，itisaswelltothrowoneselfintotheflamesastobeasphyxiatedwithcharcoal。
\"ThenImetyou，young，ardent，happy，andItriedtomakeyouthemanIhadlongedforinmynoisysolitude。WhatIlovedinyouwasnotthemanwhowas，butthemanwhowasgoingtobe。Youdonotaccepttheposition，yourejectitasunworthyofyou；youareanordinarylover。Doliketheothers；payme，andsaynomoreaboutit。\"
Marguerite，tiredoutwiththislongconfession，threwherselfbackonthesofa，andtostifleaslightcoughputupherhandkerchieftoherlips，andfromthattohereyes。
\"Pardon，pardon，\"Imurmured。\"Iunderstooditall，butIwantedtohaveitfromyourownlips，mybelovedMarguerite。Forgettherestandrememberonlyonething：thatwebelongtooneanother，thatweareyoung，andthatwelove。Marguerite，dowithmeasyouwill；Iamyourslave，yourdog，butinthenameofheaventearuptheletterwhichIwrotetoyouanddonotmakemeleaveyouto-morrow；itwouldkillme。\"
Margueritedrewtheletterfromherbosom，andhandingittomewithasmileofinfinitesweetness，said：
\"Hereitis。Ihavebroughtitback。\"
Itoretheletterintofragmentsandkissedwithtearsthehandthatgaveittome。
AtthismomentPrudencereappeared。
\"Lookhere，Prudence；doyouknowwhathewants？\"saidMarguerite。
\"Hewantsyoutoforgivehim。\"
\"Precisely。\"
\"Andyoudo？\"
\"Onehasto；buthewantsmorethanthat。\"
\"What，then？\"
\"Hewantstohavesupperwithus。\"
\"Anddoyouconsent？\"
\"Whatdoyouthink？\"
\"Ithinkthatyouaretwochildrenwhohaven\'tanatomofsensebetweenyou；butIalsothinkthatIamveryhungry，andthatthesooneryouconsentthesoonerweshallhavesupper。\"
\"Come，\"saidMarguerite，\"thereisroomforthethreeofusinmycarriage。\"
\"Bytheway，\"sheadded，turningtome，\"Naninewillbegonetobed。Youmustopenthedoor；takemykey，andtrynottoloseitagain。\"
IembracedMargueriteuntilshewasalmoststifled。
ThereuponJosephentered。
\"Sir，\"hesaid，withtheairofamanwhoisverywellsatisfiedwithhimself，\"theluggageispacked。\"
\"Allofit？\"
\"Yes，sir。\"
\"Well，then，unpackitagain；Iamnotgoing。\"
Chapter16
Imighthavetoldyouofthebeginningofthisliaisoninafewlines，butIwantedyoutoseeeverystepbywhichwecame，ItoagreetowhateverMargueritewished，Margueritetobeunabletoliveapartfromme。
ItwasthedayaftertheeveningwhenshecametoseemethatI
sentherManonLescaut。
Fromthattime，seeingthatIcouldnotchangemymistress\'slife，Ichangedmyown。IwishedaboveallnottoleavemyselftimetothinkoverthepositionIhadaccepted，for，inspiteofmyself，itwasagreatdistresstome。Thusmylife，generallysocalm，assumedallatonceanappearanceofnoiseanddisorder。
Neverbelieve，howeverdisinterestedtheloveofakeptwomanmaybe，thatitwillcostonenothing。Nothingissoexpensiveastheircaprices，flowers，boxesatthetheatre，suppers，daysinthecountry，whichonecanneverrefusetoone\'smistress。
AsIhavetoldyou，Ihadlittlemoney。Myfatherwas，andstillis，receveurgeneralatC。Hehasagreatreputationthereforloyalty，thankstowhichhewasabletofindthesecuritywhichheneededinordertoattainthisposition。
Itisworthfortythousandfrancsayear，andduringthetenyearsthathehashadit，hehaspaidoffthesecurityandputasideadowryformysister。Myfatheristhemosthonourablemanintheworld。Whenmymotherdied，sheleftsixthousandfrancsayear，whichhedividedbetweenmysisterandmyselfontheverydaywhenhereceivedhisappointment；then，whenIwastwenty-one，headdedtothislittleincomeanannualallowanceoffivethousandfrancs，assuringmethatwitheightthousandfrancsayearImightliveveryhappilyatParis，if，inadditiontothis，Iwouldmakeapositionformyselfeitherinlawormedicine。IcametoParis，studiedlaw，wascalledtothebar，and，likemanyotheryoungmen，putmydiplomainmypocket，andletmyselfdrift，asonesoeasilydoesinParis。
Myexpenseswereverymoderate；onlyIusedupmyyear\'sincomeineightmonths，andspentthefoursummermonthswithmyfather，whichpracticallygavemetwelvethousandfrancsayear，and，inaddition，thereputationofagoodson。Fortherest，notapennyofdebt。
This，then，wasmypositionwhenImadetheacquaintanceofMarguerite。Youcanwellunderstandthat，inspiteofmyself，myexpensessoonincreased。Marguerite\'snaturewasverycapricious，and，likesomanywomen，sheneverregardedasaseriousexpensethosethousandandonedistractionswhichmadeupherlife。So，wishingtospendasmuchtimewithmeaspossible，shewouldwritetomeinthemorningthatshewoulddinewithme，notathome，butatsomerestaurantinParisorinthecountry。Iwouldcallforher，andwewoulddineandgoontothetheatre，oftenhavingsupperaswell；andbytheendoftheeveningIhadspentfourorfivelouis，whichcametotwoorthreethousandfrancsamonth，whichreducedmyyeartothreemonthsandahalf，andmadeitnecessaryformeeithertogointodebtortoleaveMarguerite。Iwouldhaveconsentedtoanythingexceptthelatter。
ForgivemeifIgiveyouallthesedetails，butyouwillseethattheywerethecauseofwhatwastofollow。WhatItellyouisatrueandsimplestory，andIleavetoitallthenaiveteofitsdetailsandallthesimplicityofitsdevelopments。
Irealizedthenthatasnothingintheworldwouldmakemeforgetmymistress，itwasneedfulformetofindsomewayofmeetingtheexpensesintowhichshedrewme。Then，too，myloveforherhadsodisturbinganinfluenceuponmethateverymomentIspentawayfromMargueritewaslikeayear，andthatIfelttheneedofconsumingthesemomentsinthefireofsomesortofpassion，andoflivingthemsoswiftlyasnottoknowthatIwaslivingthem。
Ibeganbyborrowingfiveorsixthousandfrancsonmylittlecapital，andwiththisItooktogambling。Sincegamblinghousesweredestroyedgamblinggoesoneverywhere。Formerly，whenonewenttoFrascati，onehadthechanceofmakingafortune；oneplayedagainstmoney，andifonelost，therewasalwaystheconsolationofsayingthatonemighthavegained；whereasnow，exceptintheclubs，wherethereisstillacertainrigourinregardtopayments，oneisalmostcertain，themomentonegainsaconsiderablesum，nottoreceiveit。Youwillreadilyunderstandwhy。Gamblingisonlylikelytobecarriedonbyyoungpeopleverymuchinneedofmoneyandnotpossessingthefortunenecessaryforsupportingthelifetheylead；theygamble，then，andwiththisresult；orelsetheygain，andthenthosewholoseservetopayfortheirhorsesandmistresses，whichisverydisagreeable。Debtsarecontracted，acquaintancesbegunaboutagreentableendbyquarrelsinwhichlifeorhonourcomestogrief；andthoughonemaybeanhonestman，onefindsoneselfruinedbyveryhonestmen，whoseonlydefectisthattheyhavenottwohundredthousandfrancsayear。
Ineednottellyouofthosewhocheatatplay，andofhowonehearsonefinedayoftheirhastydisappearanceandtardycondemnation。
Iflungmyselfintothisrapid，noisy，andvolcaniclife，whichhadformerlyterrifiedmewhenIthoughtofit，andwhich。hadbecomeformethenecessarycomplementofmyloveforMarguerite。
WhatelsecouldIhavedone？
ThenightsthatIdidnotspendintheRued\'Antin，ifIhadspentthemaloneinmyownroom，Icouldnothaveslept。Jealousywouldhavekeptmeawake，andinflamedmybloodandmythoughts；
whilegamblinggaveanewturntothefeverwhichwouldotherwisehavepreyeduponmyheart，andfixedituponapassionwhichlaidholdonmeinspiteofmyself，untilthehourstruckwhenImightgotomymistress。Then，andbythisIknewtheviolenceofmylove，Ileftthetablewithoutamoment\'shesitation，whetherI
waswinningorlosing，pityingthosewhomIleftbehindbecausetheywouldnot，likeme，findtheirrealhappinessinleavingit。
Forthemostofthem，gamblingwasanecessity；forme，itwasaremedy。FreeofMarguerite，Ishouldhavebeenfreeofgambling。
Thus，inthemidstofallthat，Ipreservedaconsiderableamountofself-possession；IlostonlywhatIwasabletopay，andgainedonlywhatIshouldhavebeenabletolose。
Fortherest，chancewasonmyside。Imadenodebts，andIspentthreetimesasmuchmoneyaswhenIdidnotgamble。ItwasimpossibletoresistanexistencewhichgavemeaneasymeansofsatisfyingthethousandcapricesofMarguerite。Asforher，shecontinuedtolovemeasmuch，orevenmorethanever。
AsItoldyou，Ibeganbybeingallowedtostayonlyfrommidnighttosixo\'clock，thenIwasaskedsometimestoaboxinthetheatre，thenshesometimescametodinewithme。OnemorningIdidnotgotilleight，andtherecameadaywhenIdidnotgotilltwelve。
But，soonerthanthemoralmetamorphosis，aphysicalmetamorphosiscameaboutinMarguerite。Ihadtakenhercureinhand，andthepoorgirl，seeingmyaim，obeyedmeinordertoprovehergratitude。Ihadsucceededwithouteffortortroubleinalmostisolatingherfromherformerhabits。Mydoctor，whomI
hadmadehermeet，hadtoldmethatonlyrestandcalmcouldpreserveherhealth，sothatinplaceofsupperandsleeplessnights，Isucceededinsubstitutingahygienicregimeandregularsleep。Inspiteofherself，Margueritegotaccustomedtothisnewexistence，whosesalutaryeffectsshealreadyrealized。Shebegantospendsomeofhereveningsathome，or，iftheweatherwasfine，shewrappedherselfinashawl，putonaveil，andwewentonfoot，liketwochildren，inthedimalleysoftheChamps-Elysees。Shewouldcomeintired，takealightsupper，andgotobedafteralittlemusicorreading，whichshehadneverbeenusedtodo。Thecough，whicheverytimethatIhearditseemedtogothroughmychest，hadalmostcompletelydisappeared。
Attheendofsixweeksthecountwasentirelygivenup，andonlythedukeobligedmetoconcealmyliaisonwithMarguerite，andevenhewassentawaywhenIwasthere，underthepretextthatshewasasleepandhadgivenordersthatshewasnottobeawakened。
ThehabitortheneedofseeingmewhichMargueritehadnowcontractedhadthisgoodresult：thatitforcedmetoleavethegaming-tablejustatthemomentwhenanadroitgamblerwouldhaveleftit。Settlingonethingagainstanother，Ifoundmyselfinpossessionofsometenthousandfrancs，whichseemedtomeaninexhaustiblecapital。
ThetimeoftheyearwhenIwasaccustomedtojoinmyfatherandsisterhadnowarrived，andIdidnotgo；bothofthemwrotetomefrequently，beggingmetocome。TotheselettersIrepliedasbestIcould，alwaysrepeatingthatIwasquitewellandthatI
wasnotinneedofmoney，twothingswhich，Ithought，wouldconsolemyfatherformydelayinpayinghimmyannualvisit。
Justthen，onefinedayinsummer，Margueritewasawakenedbythesunlightpouringintoherroom，and，jumpingoutofbed，askedmeifIwouldtakeherintothecountryforthewholeday。
WesentforPrudence，andallthreesetoff，afterMargueritehadgivenNanineorderstotellthedukethatshehadtakenadvantageofthefinedaytogointothecountrywithMme。Duvernoy。
BesidesthepresenceofMme。Duvernoybeingneedfulonaccountoftheoldduke，Prudencewasoneofthosewomenwhoseemmadeonpurposefordaysinthecountry。Withherunchanginggood-humourandhereternalappetite，sheneverleftadullmomenttothosewhomshewaswith，andwasperfectlyhappyinorderingeggs，cherries，milk，stewedrabbit，andalltherestofthetraditionallunchinthecountry。
Wehadnowonlytodecidewhereweshouldgo。ItwasoncemorePrudencewhosettledthedifficulty。
\"Doyouwanttogototherealcountry？\"sheasked。
\"Yes。\"
\"Well，letusgotoBougival，atthePointduJour，atWidowArnould\'s。Armand，orderanopencarriage。\"
AnhourandahalflaterwewereatWidowArnould\'s。
Perhapsyouknowtheinn，whichisahotelonweekdaysandateagardenonSundays。Thereisamagnificentviewfromthegarden，whichisattheheightofanordinaryfirstfloor。OnthelefttheAqueductofMarlyclosesinthehorizon，ontherightonelooksacrossbillafterhill；theriver，almostwithoutcurrentatthatspot，unrollsitselflikealargewhitewateredribbonbetweentheplainoftheGabillonsandtheislandofCroissy，lulledeternallybythetremblingofitshighpoplarsandthemurmurofitswillows。Beyond，distinctinthesunlight，riselittlewhitehouses，withredroofs，andmanufactories，which，atthatdistance，putanadmirablefinishtothelandscape。Beyondthat，Parisinthemist！AsPrudencehadtoldus，itwastherealcountry，and，Imustadd，itwasareallunch。
ItisnotonlyoutofgratitudeforthehappinessIoweit，butBougival，inspiteofitshorriblename，isoneoftheprettiestplacesthatitispossibletoimagine。Ihavetravelledagooddeal，andseenmuchgranderthings，butnonemorecharmingthanthislittlevillagegailyseatedatthefootofthehillwhichprotectsit。
Mme。Arnouldaskedusifwewouldtakeaboat，andMargueriteandPrudenceacceptedjoyously。
Peoplehavealwaysassociatedthecountrywithlove，andtheyhavedonewell；nothingaffordssofineaframeforthewomanwhomonelovesasthebluesky，theodours，theflowers，thebreeze，theshiningsolitudeoffields，orwoods。Howevermuchonelovesawoman，whateverconfidenceonemayhaveinher，whatevercertaintyherpastmayofferusastoherfuture，oneisalwaysmoreorlessjealous。Ifyouhavebeeninlove，youmusthavefelttheneedofisolatingfromthisworldthebeinginwhomyouwouldlivewholly。Itseemsasif，howeverindifferentshemaybetohersurroundings，thewomanwhomoneloveslosessomethingofherperfumeandofherunityatthecontactofmenandthings。Asforme，Iexperiencedthatmorethanmost。Minewasnotanordinarylove；Iwasasmuchinloveasanordinarycreaturecouldbe，butwithMargueriteGautier；thatistosay，thatatParis，ateverystep，Imightelbowthemanwhohadalreadybeenherloverorwhowasaboutto，whileinthecountry，surroundedbypeoplewhomwehadneverseenandwhohadnoconcernwithus，alonewithnatureinthespring-timeoftheyear，thatannualpardon，andshutofffromthenoiseofthecity，Icouldhidemylove，andlovewithoutshameorfear。
Thecourtesandisappearedlittlebylittle。Ihadbymeayoungandbeautifulwoman，whomIloved，andwholovedme，andwhowascalledMarguerite；thepasthadnomorerealityandthefuturenomoreclouds。Thesunshoneuponmymistressasitmighthaveshoneuponthepurestbride。WewalkedtogetherinthosecharmingspotswhichseemedtohavebeenmadeonpurposetorecalltheversesofLamartineortosingthemelodiesofScudo。Margueritewasdressedinwhite，sheleanedonmyarm，sayingovertomeagainunderthestarryskythewordsshehadsaidtomethedaybefore，andfarofftheworldwentonitsway，withoutdarkeningwithitsshadowtheradiantpictureofouryouthandlove。
Thatwasthedreamthatthehotsunbroughttomethatdaythroughtheleavesofthetrees，as，lyingonthegrassoftheislandonwhichwehadlanded，Iletmythoughtwander，freefromthehumanlinksthathadboundit，gatheringtoitselfeveryhopethatcameinitsway。
AddtothisthatfromtheplacewhereIwasIcouldseeontheshoreacharminglittlehouseoftwostories，withasemicircularrailing；throughtherailing，infrontofthehouse，agreenlawn，smoothasvelvet，andbehindthehousealittlewoodfullofmysteriousretreats，wherethemossmusteffaceeachmorningthepathwaythathadbeenmadethedaybefore。Climbingflowersclungaboutthedoorwayofthisuninhabitedhouse，mountingashighasthefirststory。
IlookedatthehousesolongthatIbeganbythinkingofitasmine，soperfectlydiditembodythedreamthatIwasdreaming；I
sawMargueriteandmyselfthere，bydayinthelittlewoodthatcoveredthehillside，intheeveningseatedonthegrass，andI
askedmyselfifearthlycreatureshadeverbeensohappyasweshouldbe。
\"Whataprettyhouse！\"Margueritesaidtome，asshefollowedthedirectionofmygazeandperhapsofmythought。
\"Where？\"askedPrudence。
\"Yonder，\"andMargueritepointedtothehouseinquestion。
\"Ah，delicious！\"repliedPrudence。\"Doyoulikeit？\"
\"Verymuch。\"
\"Well，telltheduketotakeitforyou；hewoulddoso，Iamsure。I\'llseeaboutitifyoulike。\"
Margueritelookedatme，asiftoaskmewhatIthought。MydreamvanishedatthelastwordsofPrudence，andbroughtmebacktorealitysobrutallythatIwasstillstunnedwiththefall。
\"Yes，yes，anexcellentidea，\"Istammered，notknowingwhatI
wassaying。
\"Well，Iwillarrangethat，\"saidMarguerite，freeingmyhand，andinterpretingmywordsaccordingtoherowndesire。\"Letusgoandseeifitistolet。\"
Thehousewasempty，andtoletfortwothousandfrancs。
\"Wouldyoubehappyhere？\"shesaidtome。
\"AmIsureofcominghere？\"
\"AndforwhomelseshouldIburymyselfhere，ifnotforyou？\"
\"Well，then，Marguerite，letmetakeitmyself。\"
\"Youaremad；notonlyisitunnecessary，butitwouldbedangerous。YouknowperfectlywellthatIhavenorighttoacceptitsavefromoneman。Letmealone，bigbaby，andsaynothing。\"
\"Thatmeans，\"saidPrudence，\"thatwhenIhavetwodaysfreeI
willcomeandspendthemwithyou。\"
Weleftthehouse，andstartedonourreturntoParis，talkingoverthenewplan。IheldMargueriteinmyarms，andasIgotdownfromthecarriage，Ihadalreadybeguntolookuponherarrangementwithlesscriticaleyes。