"They would feel the heat more downstairs."
"She converses very agreeably," said our widower to himself. "She doesn't try to be bright, to make fun of me, as the others did. I like this way better; I feel more at ease with this stranger, and something tells me that I have at last found what I sought. She doesn't try to mystify me; but after all, I prefer that she shouldn't know me; then, if I choose, I can retain my incognito with her."
The black domino stood beside the Spaniard, apparently waiting for him to renew the conversation. He, after pulling up his boots, decided to offer her his arm, murmuring in honeyed tones:
"Will you take a turn or two in the corridor with me?"
"With pleasure."
"You are not expecting anybody?"
"No, I am not expecting anybody."
"You are quite sure? Pardon me for asking the question, but, you see, I have been walking with several ladies, and they all left me abruptly, to run after other men! Frankly, I don't care to take the risk of having that happen again."
"Oh! don't be afraid, monsieur; I am not capable of such conduct. I see clearly that I have to do with a comme il faut gentleman, and if you knew me better you would understand that you can place entire confidence in me. I have never known what it was to make sport of a man—I can safely take my oath to that; and I flatter myself that I enjoy an excellent reputation in the house where I lodge."
All this was said in the tone of a servant applying for a position and announcing her readiness to refer to her former employers.