We were dancing on the edge of a crater. The Baroness had grown pale, emaciated, plain. The Baron was jealous, rude and insolent. If I stayed away for a day or two, he sent for me; received me with open arms and tried to explain everything by a misunderstanding, while in reality we understood each other only too well.
The Lord knows what was going on in this house!
One evening the charming Matilda had retired into her bedroom to try on a ball dress. The Baron quietly disappeared soon after, leaving me alone with his wife. After half-an-hour had gone by, I asked what had become of her husband?
"He's playing lady's maid to Matilda," she replied.
I understood. Presently, evidently regretting her words, she added—
"There's no harm in it; they're relations. One shouldn't be too ready to think evil!"
Then she changed her tone.
"Are you jealous?"
"Are you?"
"Perhaps I shall be by and by."