"Invite me for this waltz, please," said Renée, and as she passed by Denoisel she whispered:
"You see I'm beginning with the family."
XXXIII
"What's the matter with your mother this evening?" Denoisel asked Renée. They were alone, as Mme. Mauperin had just gone upstairs to bed, and M. Mauperin to have a look round at the works, which were on late that night.
"What's the matter with her, she seems as——"
"Surly as a bulldog—say it out."
"Well, but what's it all about?"
"Ah, that's just it," and Renée began to laugh. "The fact is I've just lost a chance of being married—and so here I am still."
"Another? But then that's your speciality!"