XXIII
A GAME OF BÉZIQUE
They had just finished their coffee, when the Comte de la Bérinière was announced.
"I come early, you see. I made haste to get rid of the person with whom I dined," said the count, kissing Adolphine's hand, who seemed little flattered by the attention.
"That is very good of you; in return, we will have a game of bézique for your benefit."
"Oh! by and by; I will venture to request mademoiselle to give us a little music first. When one has once heard her sing, one has but one desire, and that is to hear her again."
"If it will give you any pleasure, monsieur—— I have not enough talent to require to be asked more than once."
"That is to say, you are always charming."
"The rest of us, who are not music-mad like Monsieur de la Bérinière, will play a three-handed game of bézique. You play, don't you, Clairval?"
"I do whatever you please."
"And you, Monsieur Batonnin?"