"Not necessarily. Besides, there are many evenings. Are you not at my commands for the duration of my stay in Paris?"
"True. So I will have to chance my perilous question.... I presume one can't help being true to the traditions of one's sex."
"Inquisitive, you mean? But what else is every thinking creature, male or female? What are men of science? What--?"
"But it was Eve who first--"
"Ah! raking up old scandal, eh? But I'll wager something it was really Adam who--taking a purely scientific interest in the business--egged Eve on to try a bite of apple, asserting that the domestic menu lacked variety, telling himself if she died of it, it would only cost him another rib to replace her, and cheap at the price."
"Paul: you are too gallant. Wait till I try to find out something about you, directly or indirectly, and see what you will then have to say about the curiosity of women."
"But I shouldn't mind, it would be too flattering. So dig away."
"I will. Who is it you're looking for in Paris after midnight?"
"Anyone of several people." "Perhaps I know them. It might save time if you would give me their names."
"Now it is you who ask me to risk losing an enjoyable evening. But so be it. Le Comte de Lorgnes?"