She seated herself brusquely, and, in a voice at once harsh yet caressing, said: "This morning I walked through the park with General Lariviere.

I met him in an alley and made him go with me to the bridge, where he wished to buy from the guardian a learned magpie which performs the manual of arms with a gun.

Oh! I am so tired!" "But why did you drag the General to the bridge ?" "Because he had gout in his toe." Therese shrugged her shoulders, smiling: "You squander your wickedness.

You spoil things." "And you wish me, dear, to save my kindness and my wickedness for a serious investment ?" Therese made her drink some Tokay.
Preceded by the sound of his powerful breathing, General Lariviere approached with heavy state and sat between the two women, looking stubborn and self-satisfied, laughing in every wrinkle of his face.
"How is Monsieur Martin-Belleme?
Always busy ?" Therese thought he was at the Chamber, and even that he was making a speech there.
Princess Seniavine, who was eating caviare sandwiches, asked Madame Martin why she had not gone to Madame Meillan's the day before.

They had played a comedy there.
"A Scandinavian play?
Was it a success ?" "Yes--I don't know.