She took his arm, and they walked back through the reception-rooms, in which the public were growing few. She said: "Where is Madame Walter, I should like to wish her good-bye?"
"It is better not to. She would try to keep us for the ball, and I have had enough of this."
"That is so, you are quite right."
All the way home they were silent. But as soon as they were in their room Madeleine said smilingly, before even taking off her veil. "I have a surprise for you."
He growled ill-temperedly: "What is it?"
"Guess." "I will make no such effort."
"Well, the day after to-morrow is the first of January."
"Yes."
"The time for New Year's gifts."
"Yes."