He did not circulate downright libels, but he had the knack of probing down into the deepest hidden secret shame of every one he knew.
As soon as the ball was over, Rudolf hastened to seek out his wife.

His servants told him that she had already retired to her bedroom.

He knocked at the door, and, hearing her voice, entered.
Flora was still in full ball-dress; her maid was doing up her hair.
"May I have a word with you ?" inquired Rudolf, peeping through the door.
Flora, with a smile, dismissed the maid; and Rudolf embraced his wife, and impressed a burning, a lover's kiss on her radiant face.
"Ah, stop!" cried Flora, hastily, disengaging herself from the encircling arms.

"Are you not aware that I am very angry with you ?" Well, at any rate, it was very amiable of the dear wife to allow herself to be kissed first, and then only to recollect that she was angry.
"May I know how I have offended ?" "You have been very discourteous to me to-day.

The whole evening you have not deigned to speak to me.