Nodding acquiescence, he replied—
“Sapristi! that’s all very well. But you have the money; you can’t grumble. Again, why need we fear the failure? You have beauty—indeed, you’re the best-looking woman in Brussels. As long as you retain that charm, we need not be apprehensive.”
“You pay me a pretty compliment, Victor,” she laughed. “Nevertheless, I must admit my face has always been my fortune.”
“And other people’s misfortune, eh?” observed her companion, smiling grimly.
“Well, that’s certainly one way of putting it, but you—”
“M’sieur Trethowen desires to see mademoiselle,” Nanette said, for she had opened the door unobserved.
“Trethowen!” gasped Victor, twisting his moustache nervously. “He must not find us together.”
“No,” exclaimed Valérie. “Go quickly through the garden, and out by the side door.”
He had already put on his hat, and without further hesitation he waved his hand, and vanished through a door communicating with the conservatory.
“Au revoir,” he said. “You will know how to manage him, and I will return at six to take you to the Molière.”