—­With your lover.

—­We never began anything.  I have told you that he was too proud.  I wanted to speak to him once, and he answered, “Go along.”

—­But he is not your lover.

—­But he is, because I love him.

—­And you have not had others.

—­No, because I love him.

—­Well, you are a good girl, and if what you have said is true, you are worth your weight in gold.

—­My weight in gold! cried Zulma laughing; then buy me, for it is true, and
I shall be rich.

—­But how shall I know if what you say is true?

—­Ah, that is embarrassing, she said thoughtfully.  What can I do to prove it?

—­I believe you without proof.  But I am not rich enough to pay you.

—­It doesn’t matter, to you I give myself for nothing.

Marcel was bewildered and hurriedly gave her the ten francs.

—­How kind you are; I should like all the same to do something for you.

—­You wish to please me?  Well, remain good.

—­Only that!  And till when?

—­Until I give you permission not to be so any longer.

—­I will certainly.

She took a few steps towards the door, opened it, then turning back suddenly, she advanced her bust, as though she were making a bow to the crowd, and placing the tips of her fingers on her lips, she wafted a gracious kiss to the priest.

—­There is pleasant and easy love-making, said Marcel to himself.  Why did I not know it sooner?

He ran to the door.

—­Wait, my child.  Where are you going to sleep to-night?  It is late.  Have you a lodging?

—­Stay, my word no, I had forgotten it.

—­This is what you will do.  First, settle your account with this landlady, without making allusion to anything.  A scandal must always be avoided.  Monsieur Tibulle is a man, highly esteemed, with a considerable position in the world, and anything you might say against him, would only turn against you.  Do not tell this story then to anybody; and do not tell anybody that you know me.  Now take these two louis, my dear child, and buy yourself a few little articles of dress.  You must be dressed properly.  Go, and come back here.  Monsieur Patin!

The landlord appeared.

—­Monsieur Patin, said Marcel, I confide this young person to you, or rather, to Madame Patin here.  She has been recommended specially to me by some ladies of high rank.  She is going to fetch her small articles of luggage, and will soon be back again.  Be careful of her.  Give her a room and her meals; I am answerable for her.  Mademoiselle, I shall see you again to-morrow.

What were Marcel’s intentions?

Had he felt the appetite for the unknown awakening?

He who had just poured forth his bitterness upon woman and upon love, had be come to the conclusion in the presence of this stranger that he could not do without woman or without love!