Was I the cause of this coquetry?
Did she love me enough to believe that the more beautiful she looked the happier I should be?
I did not know, but if that had been her intention she certainly succeeded, for when she appeared all heads turned, and the actor who was then on the stage looked to see who had produced such an effect on the audience by her mere presence there.
And I had the key of this woman's room, and in three or four hours she would again be mine! People blame those who let themselves be ruined by actresses and kept women; what astonishes me is that twenty times greater follies are not committed for them.

One must have lived that life, as I have, to know how much the little vanities which they afford their lovers every day help to fasten deeper into the heart, since we have no other word for it, the love which he has for them.
Prudence next took her place in the box, and a man, whom I recognised as the Comte de G., seated himself at the back.

As I saw him, a cold shiver went through my heart.
Doubtless Marguerite perceived the impression made on me by the presence of this man, for she smiled to me again, and, turning her back to the count, appeared to be very attentive to the play.

At the third entr'acte she turned and said two words: the count left the box, and Marguerite beckoned to me to come to her.
"Good-evening," she said as I entered, holding out her hand.
"Good-evening," I replied to both Marguerite and Prudence.
"Sit down." "But I am taking some one's place.

Isn't the Comte de G.coming back ?" "Yes; I sent him to fetch some sweets, so that we could talk by ourselves for a moment.Mme.Duvernoy is in the secret." "Yes, my children," said she; "have no fear.