Christophe grew accustomed to confiding his love to Ernest, though always shyly and reservedly. Ernest's discretion reassured him. He let him know his uneasiness about Ada: but he never blamed her: he blamed himself: and with tears in his eyes he would declare that he could not live if he were to lose her.
He did not forget to tell Ada about Ernest: he praised his wit and his good looks.
Ernest never approached Christophe with a request to be introduced to Ada: but he would shut himself up in his room and sadly refuse to go out, saying that he did not know anybody. Christophe would think ill of himself on Sundays for going on his excursions with Ada, while his brother stayed at home. And yet he hated not to be alone with his beloved: he accused himself of selfishness and proposed that Ernest should come with them.
The introduction took place at Ada's door, on the landing. Ernest and Ada bowed politely. Ada came out, followed by her inseparable Myrrha, who when she saw Ernest gave a little cry of surprise. Ernest smiled, went up to Myrrha, and kissed her: she seemed to take it as a matter of course.
"What! You know each other?" asked Christophe in astonishment.
"Why, yes!" said Myrrha, laughing.
"Since when?"
"Oh, a long time!"
"And you knew?" asked Christophe, turning to Ada. "Why, did you not tell me?"
"Do you think I know all Myrrha's lovers?" said Ada, shrugging her shoulders.