“Well, what is it?” asked the poor girl.
“Oh! Madame de Serizy sees me!” cried Lucien, “and to crown our woes, the Duc de Rhetore, who witnessed my dismissal, is with her.”
In fact, at that very minute, the Duc de Rhetore was amusing himself with Madame de Serizy’s discomfiture.
“Do you allow Lucien to be seen in Mademoiselle Esther’s box?” said the young Duke, pointing to the box and to Lucien; “you, who take an interest in him, should really tell him such things are not allowed. He may sup at her house, he may even—But, in fact, I am no longer surprised at the Grandlieus’ coolness towards the young man. I have just seen their door shut in his face—on the front steps——”
“Women of that sort are very dangerous,” said Madame de Serizy, turning her opera-glass on Esther’s box.
“Yes,” said the Duke, “as much by what they can do as by what they wish——”
“They will ruin him!” cried Madame de Serizy, “for I am told they cost as much whether they are paid or no.”
“Not to him!” said the young Duke, affecting surprise. “They are far from costing him anything; they give him money at need, and all run after him.”
The Countess’ lips showed a little nervous twitching which could not be included in any category of smiles.
“Well, then,” said Esther, “come to supper at midnight. Bring Blondet and Rastignac; let us have two amusing persons at any rate; and we won’t be more than nine.”