"Well, will you promise me one thing?"
"Yes; what is it?"
"To consult me when you receive a proposal and to accept no one without asking my advice."
"Yes, I will gladly."
"And it is to be a secret between us—not a word to your father or mother."
"Not a word."
Rival approached them saying: "Mademoiselle, your father wants you in the ballroom."
She said: "Come, Bel-Ami," but he refused, for he had decided to leave at once, wishing to be alone with his thoughts. He went in search of his wife, and found her drinking chocolate at the buffet with two strange men. She introduced her husband without naming them.
In a short while, he asked: "Shall we go?"
"Whenever you like."