"Oh! this is most gallant of you!" she cried. "Really, monsieur, you are coming on!"
"What's that? I am coming on?" thought Mardeille; "what does she mean by that? No matter! I won't ask any questions. This will touch her, and I am sure that to-morrow she will be the one to say: 'I expect you to-night.'"
"This is a lovely brooch," said Georgette.
"And you will deign to accept it?"
"Will I accept it? Most assuredly, monsieur, and I am very grateful to you."
"She is grateful for it; that's good!" said our seducer to himself; "the rest will go of itself. I won't commit the blunder of seeking payment now for my present; I'll go away, that will be more adroit.—I am obliged to leave you, my dear neighbor," he said, rising.
"Already, monsieur?"
"That word is very pleasant in your mouth!—Yes—I have some urgent business to attend to. I leave you so soon with the greatest regret, but to-morrow, I hope, I shall be more fortunate."
"I hope so, too, monsieur."
Mardeille bowed most respectfully to the young woman; without even taking her hand. He took his leave, enchanted with what he had done.