What an extraordinary woman! she said that as if we had known each other ten years. She was very pretty in my eyes at that moment. I hastened to take her hand, and we began to dance. I enjoyed it all the more because I had observed Saint-Bergame's horrible scowl.
We danced for some time without speaking, and, vanity aside, I believe we performed very creditably. After we had twice made the circuit of the room, I could contain myself no longer.
"Doesn't that gentleman who was with you polk?" I murmured.
"I was sure that you would ask me that!"
And she began to laugh. In truth, my question was most idiotic. But I am very prone to say such things. I am always conscious of it afterward, which is a little late. For fear of making a fool of myself again, I did not say another word. Thereupon my partner asked me:
"Have you spoken with Monsieur Sordeville again?"
"Yes, madame."
"And he invited you to his house?"
"Yes, madame."
"What did I tell you? We guessed as much by your radiant expression just now."