Her inconstancy was mere
frivolity, unrestrained imagination. It was necessary to change that
disposition of hers, but you have no idea of her attachment to me. But
really, is she not charming?"
"I quite agree with you."
"And yet _entre nous_ I recognize one fault in her. Nature in giving
her everything, has denied her that flame divine which puts the crown
on all other endowments; while she rouses in others the ardor of
passion, she feels none herself, she is a thing of marble."
"I am compelled to believe you, for I have had no opportunity of
judging, but do you think that you know that woman as well as if you
were her husband? It is possible to be deceived. If I had not dined
yesterday with the veritable--I should take you--"
"By the way, has he been good?"
"Oh, I was received like a dog!"
"I understand. Let us go in, let us look for Madame de T-----. She
must be up by this time."
"But should we not out of decency begin with the husband?" I said to
him.
"You are right. Let us go to your room, I wish to put on a little
powder. But tell me, did he really take you for her lover?"
"You may judge by the way he receives me; but let us go at once to his
apartment."
I wished to avoid having to lead him to an apartment whose whereabouts
I did not know; but by chance we found it.
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