"But it is dreadful to so deceive one's husband before marriage."
"Much better than to deceive him after, Mariotte."
This swept aside all Mariotte's hesitation, and the plot was carried out accordingly. M. de Berniers was received in due form by the fictitious cousin Charles, whose disguise a keener observer could not easily have penetrated. According to her expectation, the conceited Parisian soon became free and confidential.
"A neat little figure," said De Berniers, patronizingly. "Come to court a year hence, and I will point you the way to any victory you please."
"Ah, M. de Berniers, it is easy to point the way; but there are few who can follow it so triumphantly as you. I am not so young but that I have heard of your conquests."
"True," said De Berniers, affecting indifference; "a few countesses here and there, and once in a way a duchess or two. But of course Mlle. de Terville suspects nothing of that sort."
"I suspect she knows it all as well as I."
"Fancy this adventure," began De Berniers, languidly. "Only eight or ten nights ago—"
"Pardon, Monsieur," interrupted Virginie, who began to think she had opened a questionable game, "let me order some refreshment."
"No, I breakfasted at the inn. As I was saying, only eight or ten nights' ago—"