“As I set all my hopes on this last experiment, the sounds in the streets showed that day was at hand. For a moment’s space I pictured Foedora waking to find herself in my arms. I could have stolen softly to her side and slipped them about her in a close embrace. Resolved to resist the cruel tyranny of this thought, I hurried into the salon, heedless of any sounds I might make; but, luckily, I came upon a secret door leading to a little staircase. As I expected, the key was in the lock; I slammed the door, went boldly out into the court, and gained the street in three bounds, without looking round to see whether I was observed.
“A dramatist was to read a comedy at the countess’ house in two days’ time; I went thither, intending to outstay the others, so as to make a rather singular request to her; I meant to ask her to keep the following evening for me alone, and to deny herself to other comers; but when I found myself alone with her, my courage failed. Every tick of the clock alarmed me. It wanted only a quarter of an hour of midnight.
“‘If I do not speak,’ I thought to myself, ‘I must smash my head against the corner of the mantelpiece.’
“I gave myself three minutes’ grace; the three minutes went by, and I did not smash my head upon the marble; my heart grew heavy, like a sponge with water.
“‘You are exceedingly amusing,’ said she.
“‘Ah, madame, if you could but understand me!’ I answered.
“‘What is the matter with you?’ she asked. ‘You are turning pale.’
“‘I am hesitating to ask a favor of you.’
“Her gesture revived my courage. I asked her to make the appointment with me.
“‘Willingly,’ she answered’ ‘but why will you not speak to me now?’