To reach the room where her little Ermance was in bed, Adeline was obliged to leave her guests altogether, for she had determined that her child should not be awakened by the noise; she passed through several half-lighted rooms and finally reached her daughter’s side; she paused by the cradle and gazed at Ermance, who was sleeping peacefully. With her mind more at ease, Adeline was going back to her guests; but, as she entered a dimly-lighted boudoir which adjoined her daughter’s bedroom, she saw some one gliding along the wall. A feeling of alarm took possession of her. “Who is there?” she said instantly. “Don’t be afraid, madame; I am distressed to have taken you so by surprise.” Adeline recovered herself, for she recognized Dufresne’s voice, and asked: “What are you seeking here?” “The noise and heat of the salon made me feel uncomfortable; I was very glad to be able to come away and rest for a moment.” Adeline went into the next room for a lamp, and brought it into the room where Dufresne had remained; he followed her every movement with his eyes, and seemed intensely agitated. “If you are not feeling well, I will go and bring you something.” “Oh, no! stay, madame, I beg you; your presence is a hundred times more beneficial to me.” Dufresne had taken Adeline’s hand; she, amazed by the extraordinary tone and by the fire with which he addressed her, did not know what reply to make, but stood before him sorely embarrassed. Dufresne squeezed violently the hand that he held in his. Adeline withdrew it at once in dismay, and started to leave the room, but he stood in front of her and stopped her. “What do you want of me?” she said to him, her voice trembling with a feeling of terror she could not explain. “That you should listen to me, madame, that you should deign to listen to me.” “What have you to say to me, pray, that demands so much mystery? We might talk quite as well in the salon.” “No, madame, no,--here. Ah! for a long while I have been postponing this moment; but I feel that it is impossible for me to conceal longer the passion which consumes me; no, I am no longer able to see you, to contemplate so many charms, without giving expression to the ardor which devours me.” “What are you saying to me, monsieur?” “That I love you, that I adore you, lovely Adeline, and that you must be mine!” “Merciful heaven! What do I hear?”