Isn't that nice of me?
What do I want better than to be the wife of Mohammed ?" She began to laugh; and Rabourdin laughed too, for the soapsuds were clinging to Celestine's lips, and her voice had the tones of the purest and most steadfast affection.
"Go and dress, dear child; and above all, don't say a word of this to des Lupeaulx.

Swear you will not.

That is the only punishment that I impose--" "/Impose/!" she cried.

"Then I won't swear anything." "Come, come, Celestine, I said in jest a really serious thing." "To-night," she said, "I mean your general-secretary to know whom I am really intending to attack; he has given me the means." "Attack whom ?" "The minister," she answered, drawing himself up.

"We are to be invited to his wife's private parties." In spite of his Celestine's loving caresses, Rabourdin, as he finished dressing, could not prevent certain painful thoughts from clouding his brow.
"Will she ever appreciate me ?" he said to himself.