“People say so many things in society, madame, that one never knows what to believe, and in my opinion the man who believes nothing is wisest.”
“Ah! monsieur, if one could foresee—could conceive what would happen!”
“Why, there are some things that one can easily foresee.”
The baroness cast a penetrating glance at Monsieur de Merval, then rejoined:
“You are not married?”
“No, madame.”
“Faith, I am inclined to think that you have done as well to abstain!—Will you not do me the pleasure to come to see me?”
“You do me much honor, madame; and if it will not be indiscreet——”
“Oh! not in the least; I am absolutely my own mistress. We will talk of the past; that will not rejuvenate me, but it will give me pleasure. You will come, won’t you?”
“I shall take advantage of your permission, madame.”