“Ah,” she said, “Monsieur Hugh ne valse pas, il se grise; il a l’air jaloux, n’est-ce pas?”
Ernest danced three times with this fair enslaver, and with their last waltz the ball came to an end. Just then his cousin came up, and they all, including Mr. Alston, walked together along the steep streets, which were now quite deserted, to the door of the hotel. Here Ernest said good-night to madame, who extended her hand. He took it, and as he did so he felt a note slipped into it, which, not being accustomed to such transactions, he clumsily dropped. It was the ball programme, and there was something written across it in pencil. Unfortunately, he was not the only one who saw this; his cousin Hugh, who had evidently been drinking, saw it too, and tried to pick up the programme, but Ernest was too quick for him.
“Give me that,” said his cousin, hoarsely.
Ernest answered by putting it into his pocket.
“What is written on that programme?”
“I don’t know.”
“What have you written on that programme, Camille?”
“Mon Dieu, mais vous m’ennuyez!” was the answer.
“I insist upon your giving me that!” with an oath.
“Monsieur est gentleman! Monsieur ne la rendra pas,” said madame, with a meaning glance; and then turning, she entered the hotel.