I did not know what to say, what to decide upon; it seemed to me that I ought to go, and yet it would be most agreeable to me to remain. A week soon passes. I should not come into contact with Madame Blémont, since she would remain in her room, and she herself had entreated me not to go away.
While I made these reflections, Caroline came to my side. At last she tapped me lightly on the shoulder.
“Whenever you are ready, monsieur,—we are waiting for your reply.”
“Oh, excuse me, mademoiselle; I was thinking——”
“Will you return to Paris with us?”
“I am afraid of incommoding you. I have someone with me.”
“Your German? There is a seat behind the carriage.”
“Very well, I accept, mademoiselle.”
“Ah! that is very kind of you!”
Once more Mademoiselle Derbin was in a charming humor. She arranged a drive for the day, intending to visit some points of view in the neighborhood of which someone had told her. We must be ready in an hour; she left us to attend to her toilette; we were to have no sitting for the portrait that day.