In due time they arrived at Dubotté's abode. Éléonore thanked her escort, who bowed respectfully and tried again to make some complimentary remark, but with no better success, although his efforts were rewarded by a courtesy.
"That gentleman is very polite," said Madame Dubotté to herself, as she entered the house; "but he doesn't talk enough."
Monsieur Dubotté, who returned home very late that night, because he had been elsewhere than to his club, did his utmost to get into bed without waking his wife; a manœuvre which he often executed, and in which he was very skilful. The next morning, while he was dressing, he said to madame:
"Well, my dear love, were you content with your escort? You got home without accident, I fancy?"
"Oh! yes, he's a very nice young man; he brought me to the door."
"Pardieu! did you suppose he would drop you half-way? You asked him to come to see us, I hope?"
"No, I didn't; why should I ask him?"
"You should have done so; it would have been no more than polite. Do you know, I like that little Callé; I should be very glad to have him visit us. He's a young man to whom one can safely intrust his wife."
"Why, my dear, do you expect to send me about with another man often?"
"I don't say that; but there are unforeseen circumstances. For instance: we have tickets to the theatre; I often have them, you know, through my connection with the actors. Well, I can't go; or, at least, I can't go till very late; then what do I do? I ask Callé to escort you to the theatre, and I join you there when I have finished my business; do you see?"