"Even so. Well, as I was saying, a young person, instructed by this corpulent Monsieur Archibald, came and asked Monsieur Guillardin who I was. It seems that Monsieur Archibald is not always affable, and that he would probably take this pleasantry of mine badly. As for myself, madame, I realize that I have done wrong, that I have been guilty of a reckless piece of folly; but if this Monsieur Archibald tells me so in unseemly language, I swear that I am not of a temper to put up with it." My pretty brunette had ceased to laugh. "In truth," she murmured, "Anna's brother is the sort of fellow who doesn't understand practical jokes. He's a fool, and, being a fool, he is exceedingly sensitive; he loses his temper and quarrels over an idle word. He is very strong, it seems, and that gives him much self-assurance." "It matters little to me how strong he is! I am no boxer, myself, and I don't fight as street porters do." "Mon Dieu! what is to be done?" "If you would condescend, madame, to be kind enough to say that I am an acquaintance of yours, that you invited me to come here--in a word, if you would present me?" "I would ask nothing better if I were alone here; but my husband is with me, and he knows everything and sees everything; he's worse than the _Solitaire_. He would ask me instantly where I met you." "See, madame, how they are staring at me already! Look, as we pass Monsieur Archibald, he points me out to several gentlemen standing near, and I have no doubt that he is saying to them: 'Do you know that man?' and they all say _no_." "Oh! mon Dieu! you make me shudder, monsieur!" "Look out for me when the waltz comes to an end--and I fancy that will be soon." "But I don't want them to turn you out. You waltz so well--really, it would be a great pity." "You are too kind, madame; however, if I am not taken under somebody's protection, it looks as if the affair would turn out badly for me." "Mon Dieu! if only Frédérique were here! she would get you out of the scrape on the instant, I know." "What! a lady named _Frédéric_?" "Yes, monsieur--Frédéri--que." "Ah! I understand, the feminine of Frédéric. And this lady?" "She expected to come to Anna's wedding; she promised me she would; but she hasn't come." "They are quickening the pace; a few turns more, and I shall be ignominiously expelled! What I shall regret most of all, madame, is you--who have been so indulgent to me, and whom it is impossible to see for an instant without ardently desiring to see you again." "Oh! monsieur----" "However, if Monsieur Archibald is discourteous, if he doesn't choose to accept a proper apology, I promise you that I will show him that he hasn't a dastard to deal with." "Oh! don't talk like that! you make me tremble. If I should see my husband, I----"