“I do not know the gentleman, but I will thank him when I see him.”
“He is a good fellow, who plays the violin very well. I will bring him to one of your receptions if you wish.”
“Do so. Good-night; it is late.”
“It was rather a pleasant affair, and people enjoyed themselves; don’t you think so?”
“Oh, yes! I enjoyed myself amazingly.”
I returned home. I expected a scene; it is always an advantage to be prepared. If only my wife might be in bed and asleep! But no, I heard her walking back and forth in the salon. Aha! I met the maid carrying a mattress. Madame was having a bed made for herself in her boudoir. What a bore not to find peace and quiet at home! to have more scenes and quarrels! And we had been married only three years and a half!
Well, I knew that I must face the storm, and I entered the salon. Madame was in a most dishevelled condition; she almost frightened me. She was holding a phial of salts to her nose.
I was kind enough to go to her and ask her if she were ill. She did not answer. I was on the point of taking a light and leaving the room, when madame sprang to her feet and planted herself in front of me.
“So you have left that woman at last, have you, monsieur?”
“I don’t know what you mean by that woman, madame. I danced with a lady whom I esteem, and who has been generous enough to forgive you for the shameful remarks that you made before her.”