I rose and bowed. Armantine was speechless, utterly crushed; she did not look at me, she did not even respond to my salutation.
I had just left the house, and was about to resume my walk, when I saw Frédérique standing a few steps away, with her eyes fixed upon me. I walked hastily toward her. Her pallor terrified me; the fixed stare of her eyes cut me to the heart. I tried to take her hand; she snatched it away.
"What is the matter?" I asked.
"Nothing."
"What were you doing here?"
"I wanted to see you come out of her house. I was certain that you were there."
"At Madame Sordeville's? It was the merest chance, my going in. I was passing, and——"
"You have no need to apologize, or to try to invent excuses. I have told you a hundred times that you were your own master, that you might have ten mistresses if you chose, that I did not claim any right to interfere with your affections. But I do not like to have people lie to me, deceive me, disguise their thoughts."
"I have done none of those things, Frédérique; and if you will listen to me——"
"Later—not now. Adieu!"