Monsieur Sordeville became dumb; his lips blanched, but he forced himself to smile, and replied, after a brief interval: "In truth, madame, I was ill-advised to converse with one of my guests; it is robbing you of an adorer." "Come and play, baron," said Madame Dauberny, making no reply to Monsieur Sordeville's compliment. The baron came to the table with a blissful air, crying: "I vould like noding petter, but I haf not ein sou." "You may play on credit, monsieur; you are one of those men whose honor is evident to all, and of whom no one ventures to speak slightingly." The baron bowed; he was radiant with joy. It seemed to me that there was a hidden meaning in Madame Dauberny's last words, and that they were accompanied with a glance at Monsieur Sordeville, who did not stir. The baron seated himself by my side. I offered to lend him money; he accepted, and in a short time we broke the bank. Thereupon the fair Frédérique gravely rose and left the table, saying: "Faith! the proverb did not lie; it was written that you should both win." "Are you going, montame?" "Yes, baron." "Vill you not bermit me to escord you in my carriage?" "No, not to-night." "Monsir Rocheprune, he vill come mit us." "Thanks; but I do not care for an escort to-night. Nights succeed one another, but do not resemble one another." Frédérique took her departure, leaving the baron discomfited. I returned to Madame Sordeville, as I was determined to speak to her before I went away. I saw that she was alone, so I hastened to her side and told her how happy I should be if I could see her again soon and tell her of my love, without witnesses. She listened with a distraught, indifferent air; and when I thought that she was about to reply, she cried: "Dear me! they haven't served the tea yet, and it's after twelve!" And she left me. I stood for a moment as if rooted to the floor. I could not understand the caprice, the coquetry, the bewildering changes, in Armantine's treatment of me. I asked myself if a false note could have caused it all; and if so, what reliance was to be placed upon a lady's favor. I concluded that it would be well for me to go away. At that moment, the tall, thin woman who had previously spoken to me accosted me again: "When your teeth ache too badly, monsieur, you can fill them yourself. I'll show you how. Come and sit here." I had no desire to hear any more, and turned and fled while she was seating herself in a convenient position to show me how one can fill one's own teeth. XXV A YOUNG MOTHER