Merely a commission for me, about which he'll only be able to bring me an answer by-and-by." Then, taking Fonsegue on one side, he added: "By the way, don't forget to insert the paragraph I told you of." "What paragraph?
Oh! yes, the one about that _soiree_ at which Silviane recited a piece of verse.

Well, I wanted to speak to you about it.

It worries me a little, on account of the excessive praise it contains." Duvillard, but a moment before so full of serenity, with his lofty, conquering, disdainful mien, now suddenly became pale and agitated.

"But I absolutely want it to be inserted, my dear fellow! You would place me in the greatest embarrassment if it were not to appear, for I promised Silviane that it should." As he spoke his lips trembled, and a scared look came into his eyes, plainly revealing his dismay.
"All right, all right," said Fonsegue, secretly amused, and well pleased at this complicity.

"As it's so serious the paragraph shall go in, I promise you." The whole company was now present, since neither Gerard nor Duthil was to be expected.