Henri whispered in Jacob's ear:--
"If I were free like you, I would not hesitate an instant; I would propose to this siren."
"And if I were in your place, and had such a wife as you have, I would not even look at her," said Jacob coldly.
Segel smiled ironically, pushed back his black hair from his forehead, and drew near Muse.
"Can you guess, mademoiselle," asked he in a low voice, "what advice I have just been giving Jacob?"
The charmer replied sweetly in an indifferent tone, although she perfectly understood what had passed between the two men.
"How can I guess, monsieur?"
"I advised him to fall in love with you."
"What bad advice!"
"Why?"