And so, without giving another thought to Frédérique's advice, I went at once to Madame Sordeville's.
I found Armantine in her dainty boudoir, surrounded by flowers and embroidery.
I do not know whether she expected me, but it seemed to me that her dress and her coiffure were even more coquettish than usual. Probably I was mistaken, and it was because I was not accustomed to gaze upon her charms that they produced that effect on me.
I was welcomed with extreme cordiality. Armantine had her merry, sarcastic, and melancholy moods. On the day in question, she seemed almost sentimental; she laughed less frequently than usual, but I considered her the more fascinating so.
She gave me her hand and bade me sit beside her, saying:
"This is delightful! It hasn't taken you long to keep your promise this time."
"It is my greatest happiness to be with you, madame; and my reason for depriving myself of that happiness so long is that——"
"Well, monsieur? it is that——?"
"That—— Look you, madame, I propose to be quite frank; have I your permission?"
"Why, of course."