"I am too happy! I believe I am going to be dizzy!"
"I trust that you are not going to be ill, monsieur!" said Cornélie, "for that would not afford me any amusement whatever."
Robineau made no reply, but rubbed his temples and forehead with eau de Mélisse.
At last Cornélie completed her toilet for the night and walked toward the alcove; but as she was about to draw the curtains aside, she stopped, fell back a step or two, turned pale and said:
"This is very strange!"
"Would you like some eau de Mélisse, too, my dear love?" inquired Robineau, who was at the other end of the room.
"No, monsieur, no—but come here,—walk softly, and listen; it seems to me that I hear someone breathing."
Robineau shuddered; he no longer desired to approach the bed, and his bride was compelled to go to fetch him. When he reached the alcove, he distinctly heard someone there. Thereupon his legs gave way under him and he was obliged to cling to a chair.
"Do you hear?" whispered Cornélie.
"Yes, yes, madame!"