One evening, when the bad weather compelled us to resort to cards,--which, by the way, I would have been glad to dispense with, but Frédérique, whether because she was afraid that I would be bored, or from pure coquetry, took care that our tête-à-têtes should not be too frequent,--the elder Monsieur Ramonet observed, as he was dealing: "We have a new neighbor. The small house close by--on the right." "With the terraces, in the Italian style?" "Yes. It has been let." "It must be very recently," said Frédérique, "for all the shutters have always been closed until now." "It was only three days ago. A lady has hired it." "Is she alone?" "Alone, except for a maid. But it's a very small house, almost no room at all. It's very pretty, though; I went over it once?" "Have you seen the new neighbor yet?" "No, but my brother has.--Haven't you, Jules, seen the lady who has hired the little house?" "Yes, when I passed there this morning, she was at the window on the ground floor; I bowed, and she returned my bow most affably. She's very pretty--a young woman, with an air of distinction." "Ah! did you see all that at a glance, Monsieur Jules?" "Why, yes, madame! Oh! one glance is all I need; however, I bestowed more than one on her." "And, of course, you know already who she is, what she does, what her name is?" "No, not yet; but I shall know all those things to-morrow. She must be a widow; for the house would be too small for a lady with a husband and family. Being neighbors, we will call on her one of these days--eh, brother?" "To be sure." "You have that privilege, messieurs. As for myself, as I pay very few visits, I think that I shall not make this lady's acquaintance." After the brothers Ramonet had gone, Frédérique, who seemed more thoughtful than usual, suddenly said to me: "You are not bored here, are you, my friend?" "How many times must I tell you that I am enjoying myself immensely; that I have never known such happy days as those that have just passed?" "And you don't regret Paris?" "I regret nothing." "And you don't care about making the acquaintance of new neighbors?" "Certainly not; indeed, I think sometimes that the brothers Ramonet are in the way." "Ah! how good you are to be so happy with your friend! Good-night, Charles; until to-morrow!" She gave me her hand, and looked at me with such a charming expression that I was ready to cover her hand with kisses. Ah! if I dared confess what was taking place in my heart! But she would have had no choice but to be angry and order me to go. I preferred to hold my peace and remain with her. XLVII THE NEIGHBOR On the following morning, Frédérique and I were in the salon on the ground floor; I was trying to extort some melody from a wretched piano, and she was laughing at my impatience, when her servant appeared and informed her that a lady desired to see her. "A lady!" exclaimed Frédérique, in surprise; "but I don't expect any lady. Where does she come from?"