"It is no reproach at all, my dear wife," said Monsieur Dalize, "as you were not well yesterday evening."
"Ah, but this morning I am entirely well," said Madame Dalize, resting her elbows on the sill of the window.
"So much the better," cried Mr. Dalize, joyfully, "and again so much the better."
"What light-heartedness!" said Madame Dalize, smiling.
"That is because I am happy, do you know, very happy."
"And the cause of this joy?"
"It all lies in this little bit of paper," answered Monsieur Dalize, pointing to the telegram towards the window.
"And what does this paper say?"
"It says,—now listen,—it says that my old friend, my best friend, has returned to France, and that in a few hours he will be here with us."
Madame Dalize was silent for an instant, then, suddenly remembering, she said,—