"But just now—"
"Just now I drew it away, while now I give it to you."
Ernanton kissed the hand, which was then withdrawn.
"Another lesson," said he. "Assuredly you will end by killing my passion. I may adore you on my knees; but I should have neither love nor confidence for you."
"Oh! I do not wish that, for you would be a sad lover, and it is not so that I like them. No, remain natural, be yourself, M. Ernanton, and nothing else. I have caprices. Oh! mon Dieu, you told me I was beautiful, and all beautiful women have them. Do not fear me; and when I say to the too impetuous Ernanton, 'Calm yourself,' let him consult my eyes and not my voice."
At these words she rose.
It was time, for the young man seized her in his arms, and his lips touched her mask; but through this mask her eyes darted such a flaming glance that he drew back.
"Well," said she, "we shall meet again. Decidedly you please me, M. de Carmainges." Ernanton bowed.
"When are you free?" asked she.
"Alas! very rarely, madame."