“Well?”

“She has accepted.”

“She has accepted!”

I sprang to my feet so suddenly that Raymond recoiled and looked at me uneasily.

“Did it take you again, neighbor?”

“No, nothing’s the matter. Let us go out and get a breath of air.

And I took Raymond’s arm and led him away. He followed me, making a wry face. Doubtless I pinched his arm without noticing it, for he begged me to let it alone; but I did not hear him.

“My dear Dorsan, your muscles keep contracting; let my arm alone, please.”

“Oh! these women! these women! But why do I feel this weight at my heart? for I do not love her.”

“Let me go, my friend, I entreat you!”