“No,” said he at length, “seriously I cannot. Of what use to awaken in you hopes which can never be realized? Now, my darling, listen to me. Whatever may happen, understand, you must under no pretext whatever again come to my house, as you once had the imprudence to do. Do not even write to me. By disobeying, you may do me an irreparable injury. If any accident occurs, send that old rascal Clergot to me. I shall have a visit from him the day after to-morrow, for he holds some bills of mine.”
Juliette recoiled, menacing Noel with a mutinous gesture. “You will not tell me anything?” insisted she.
“Not this evening, but very soon,” replied the advocate, embarrassed by the piercing glance of his mistress.
“Always some mystery!” cried Juliette, piqued at the want of success attending her blandishments.
“This will be the last, I swear to you!”
“Noel, my good man,” said the young woman in a serious tone, “you are hiding something from me. I understand you, as you know; for several days past there has been something or other the matter with you, you have completely changed.”
“I swear to you, Juliette—”
“No, swear nothing; I should not believe you. Only remember, no attempt at deceiving me, I forewarn you. I am a woman capable of revenge.”
The advocate was evidently ill at ease. “The affair in question,” stammered he, “can as well fail as succeed.”
“Enough,” interrupted Juliette; “your will shall be obeyed. I promise that. Come, sir, kiss me. I am going to bed.”