"You must not give them that satisfaction."
"I do seem pale, then?"
"Yes."
"Ah, then I must rouge!"
Dossonville examined the figure of the graceful woman, who was gaily daubing her cheeks, and recognized the famous Duchess of M——. At this moment, in the obscurity of the arches, he discovered at last the blue dress and golden hair of Nicole.
"Oh, it is you," she cried joyfully. "I had hoped you could see me."
"Nicole," he said bitterly, "this is your doing."
Her manner changed; she grew serious.
"My friend," she said, "I have but done what I wished. I am happy." She held up her finger with Barabant's ring on it. "You see, I am his wife, and I have saved him."