Somehow a man always likes to be properly valued.

It re-establishes his good opinion of himself.
Well, well; however affectionate Madame might be, she could scarcely carry it beyond the threshold of his chamber, and he was determined to retire at an early hour.

But he had many things to learn.
Fitzgerald was abandoned to the countess, who had still much color to regain.

From time to time the Englishman looked over his shoulder to see what was going on between Madame and his friend, and so missed half of what the countess said.
"Come," thought Maurice, "it is time I made a play." The blackberries were ripe along the stone walls which surrounded the chateau.

Maurice wandered here and there, plucking what fruit he could find.