She left the room modestly, almost timidly, Madame Segel conducting her to the door. When she returned she said to Jacob:--
"Well, how did you like her?"
"She is wonderfully beautiful, but there is also something disagreeable about her."
Some of them protested.
"She is the least natural woman I have ever met," said Jacob. "My ideal is a true and sincere woman."
Mathilde fell into a revery. During this time Henri had escorted Muse to the street. It was easily seen by his sparkling eyes that this pearl pleased him. On her part Mademoiselle Muse found Segel to her taste also, but she could not compromise herself with a married man while she sought a husband. Otherwise these two souls were sympathetic, and seemed created for each other. Henri's last glance was so ardent, that it almost compensated Muse for Jacob's coldness.
Her mother impatiently awaited the result of this first attack.
"You have seen him?" asked she.
"Yes."
"Well?"