Now, have I your permission to go?
The hour is getting late, and.

.

." "You will at least accept my gratitude ?" she said, as she drew quite close to him, and speaking with real tenderness.
With a quick, almost involuntary effort he would have taken her then in his arms, for her eyes were swimming in tears, which he longed to kiss away; but she had lured him once, just like this, then cast him aside like an ill-fitting glove.

He thought this was but a mood, a caprice, and he was too proud to lend himself to it once again.
"It is too soon, Madame!" he said quietly; "I have done nothing as yet.
The hour is late, and you must be fatigued.

Your women will be waiting for you upstairs." He stood aside to allow her to pass.