Paz sat down on a chair near the door.
“I remember seeing you about the time I was married, and afterwards in the courtyard,” said Clementine. “But why do you put yourself in a position of inferiority,—you, Adam’s friend?”
“I am perfectly indifferent to the opinion of the Parisians,” he replied. “I live for myself, or, if you like, for you two.”
“But the opinion of the world as to a friend of my husband is not indifferent to me—”
“Ah, madame, the world will be satisfied if you tell them I am ‘an original.’”
After a moment’s silence he added, “Are you going out to-day?”
“Will you come with us to the Bois?”
“Certainly.”
So saying, Paz bowed and withdrew.
“What a good soul he is!” said Adam. “He has all the simplicity of a child.”