But in the midst of a learned dissertation on “The Coliseum by Moonlight” Madame Vernet’s eyes fell on the glittering paste necklace, which Monsieur Bouchard had left lying on the table. She picked it up gently—she did everything gently—and playfully clasping it round her neck, cried:
“How charming! I won’t ask you for whom this is intended; for a sister—a niece, perhaps. Lucky girl!”
“Indeed, it is not intended for anyone,” replied Monsieur Bouchard. “It is of trifling value—paste, at seventy-five francs to buy, and would sell for nothing.”
“Nevertheless, it is very pretty,” said Madame Vernet, looking at herself coquettishly in the mirror. And then, apparently forgetting all about the necklace, she confided to Monsieur Bouchard that she was so nervous at living alone—the only thing that reconciled her was that she had an uncle and an aunt living in the neighborhood who would watch over her. Monsieur Bouchard tried to reassure her, but Madame Vernet declined to be reassured. Her timidity was constitutional—she should never be courageous as other women, and so protesting, she gathered up her parasol and gloves, and with blushing apologies for her intrusion and a bashful invitation to Monsieur Bouchard to return her unique visit, made for the door.
Monsieur Bouchard was charmed, flattered, tickled and flustered beyond expression, but he was likewise terrified at the thought that Madame Vernet had evidently forgotten that she had the necklace clasped round her throat and was going off with it. Paste though it was, Monsieur Bouchard had no mind to let it go out of his own hands. He followed her to the door, saying, “Madame, you have probably forgotten——”
“Oh, no, I haven’t,” smilingly replied Madame Vernet; “I know my own apartment now—it is number nine.”
“But—but—you have inadvertently—er—a—” Poor Monsieur Bouchard mopped his forehead in his agony.
“Yes, quite inadvertently entered your apartment. Oh, how alarmed I was when I first saw you! But you were so kind. Forgive me, and don’t forget your promise to call. Good-bye.”