"What! you propose to receive that foreigner? And I hoped that I was to enjoy a tête-à-tête with you!"
"Have we not time enough to see each other again? The count was told that I was in; to refuse to receive him would be discourteous."
"Ah! madame, if you had taken any pleasure in hearing me speak of my love——"
"I do—but the world insists upon the observance of certain proprieties which we cannot disregard. Besides, this foreigner is so gallant——"
"Too gallant with you, in my opinion, and his frequent visits——"
"Hush, here he is!"
Count Dahlborne entered the salon, with the stiff, formal, pretentious air which he always maintained. He had several decorations in his buttonhole, and all the manners of a person of good breeding; but his long, surly face, even when he tried to be affable, seemed destined to put pleasure and love to flight. However, Madame Baldimer greeted him with a charming smile; he kissed her hand, bowed solemnly to Albert, and seated himself in an armchair, like a wooden man moved by springs.
"It is very good of you, monsieur le comte, to think of coming to see me," said the pretty widow, mincingly.
The Swede bowed, and replied with the utmost seriousness:
"Oh! I think of it all the time."