You will stay and breakfast with us ?" Camors hesitated; then said, hastily, "No, no! Impossible! I have an engagement which I must keep." Notwithstanding Camors's unwillingness, Lescande detained him until he had extorted a promise to come and dine with them--that is, with him, his wife, and his mother-in-law, Madame Mursois--on the following Tuesday.

This acceptance left a cloud on the spirit of Camors until the appointed day.

Besides abhorring family dinners, he objected to being reminded of the scene of the balcony.

The indiscreet kindness of Lescande both touched and irritated him; for he knew he should play but a silly part near this pretty woman.

He felt sure she was a coquette, notwithstanding which, the recollections of his youth and the character of her husband should make her sacred to him.