"No; pray leave me.

No." M.de Perrencourt answered gently and beseechingly, "Nay, say 'Not yet,' madame." They were silent again, he seeming to regard her intently.

Suddenly she covered her face with her hands; yet, dropping her hands almost immediately, she set her eyes on his; I saw him shake his head.
"For to-night, then, good-night, fairest lady," said he.

He took her hand and kissed it lightly, bowing very low and respectfully, she looking down at him as he stooped.

Then he drew away from her, bowing again and repeating again, "For to-night, good-night." With this he turned towards the stairs, crossing the hall with the same brisk, confident tread that had marked his entry.