She smiled faintly.
"You are very good."
"But who is it? Tell me his name, and I will see that you are not molested in future."
"It is the Citizen Deputy Hébert," faltered Aline, all her terror returning as she pronounced the hateful name.
Clary's brows drew close, and a long whistle escaped his lips.
"Oho, Hébert," he said,—"Hébert; but there, Citoyenne, do not be alarmed, I beg of you. Leave it to me"; after which he made his adieux without conspicuous haste, leaving Rosalie much annoyed at having missed most of the conversation.
Two days later, Hébert came foaming in on Thérèse. When he could speak, he swore at her.
"See here, Thérèse, if you 've a hand in setting Cléry at me, let me warn you. I 'll take foul play from no woman alive, without giving as good as I get, and if there 's any of your damned jealousy at work, you she-devil, I 'll choke you as soon as look at you, and with a great deal more pleasure!"
Thérèse stepped up to him and fixed her great black eyes on his pale, twitching ones.
"Don't be so silly, Hébert," she said steadily, though her colour rose. "What is it all about? What has young Cléry done to you? It 's rather late in the day for you to start quarrelling."