Colonel Sofronof paid dear for Muse's vexation. She deprived him of little bits of news that she had been in the habit of giving him, and in order to irritate him displayed some patriotic songs. However, he did not get angry, but only smiled, and said:--
"You are not feeling well to-night."
The calumny spread rapidly. Henri arrived home in good humour. Not finding visitors, he resigned himself to tea with his wife. After tea the Englishwoman read in one corner, Mathilde in another; finally Segel broke the prolonged silence.
"Have you seen Jacob lately?" asked he.
"No; he has not been here for some time."
"Without doubt his mother's society"--
"Yes, he told me of her arrival," said Mathilde.
"Has he ever spoken of any one else?"
"Of whom, then?"
"Bah! It is useless to tell you. It is not worth while to destroy your illusions. You have an affection for Jacob; let it rest."