She interrupted me with an imploring gesture.
"Oh, yes, I know; I am so sorry! But just at the moment I forgot. I longed to tell you about Antoine, and everything else went out of my head. Don't be cross with me!"
Could any one be angry with her? She was thoroughly innocent, and natural, as innocence always is.
"My child, it is only of yourself I am thinking. Antoine will teach you to be wiser by-and-by. Tell him to come and see me. I suppose you will be married soon now, won't you?"
"Oh, yes, monsieur, very soon! Antoine only wanted money, and he has plenty now; he has a business of his own, and is a patron himself!"
"Well, Noemi, I am very glad. You must let me come to your wedding.
I shall call at your house tomorrow, and ask all about it; for
no doubt Antoine will want you to settle the arrangements at once.
And now run home, for your own sake, my child."
"Goodbye! monsieur." She paused at the door and added shyly, "You will really come tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, yes; before breakfast. Goodbye, Noemi."
III.
At about ten on the ensuing day I repaired to Noemi's lodging, and found Madame Jeannel, the landlady, on the look-out for me.