I did not know what to do or say.
Marguerite went toward her bedroom; I remained where I was.
"Come," she said.
She took off her hat and her velvet cloak and threw them on the bed, then let herself drop into a great armchair beside the fire, which she kept till the very beginning of summer, and said to me as she fingered her watch-chain: "Well, what news have you got for me ?" "None, except that I ought not to have come to-night." "Why ?" "Because you seem vexed, and no doubt I am boring you." "You are not boring me; only I am not well; I have been suffering all day.

I could not sleep, and I have a frightful headache." "Shall I go away and let you go to bed ?" "Oh, you can stay.

If I want to go to bed I don't mind your being here." At that moment there was a ring.
"Who is coming now ?" she said, with an impatient movement.
A few minutes after there was another ring.
"Isn't there any one to go to the door?
I shall have to go." She got up and said to me, "Wait here." She went through the rooms, and I heard her open the outer door.

I listened.
The person whom she had admitted did not come farther than the dining-room.

At the first word I recognised the voice of the young Comte de N.
"How are you this evening ?" he said.
"Not well," replied Marguerite drily.
"Am I disturbing you ?" "Perhaps.
"How you receive me! What have I done, my dear Marguerite ?" "My dear friend, you have done nothing.