In answer, he held his face toward me, and, observing that I was obliged to stand on the tips of my toes and to support myself a little on his shoulder, he knelt down before me and yielded his head to me. With the tip of my finger I made him bend his face to the right and the left, backward and forward, and I lathered and lathered, giggling like a schoolgirl. It amused me so to see my Captain obey me like a child; I would have given I don't know what if he had only had his sword and spurs on at that moment. Unfortunately, he was in his slippers. I spread the lather over his nose and forehead; he closed his eyes and put his two arms round me, saying: "Go on, my dear, go on; but see that you don't put any into my mouth." At that moment I experienced a very strange feeling. My laughter died away all at once; I felt ashamed at seeing my husband at my feet and at thus amusing myself with him as if he were a doll. I dropped the shaving-brush; I felt my eyes grow moist; and, suddenly, becoming more tender, I bent toward him and kissed him on the neck, which was the only spot left clear. Yet his ear was so near that, in passing it, my lips moved almost in spite of myself, and I whispered: "Don't be angry, dear," then, overcome by emotion and repentance, I added: "I love you, I do love you." "My own pet!" he said, rising suddenly. His voice shook. What delightful moments these were! Unfortunately, oh! yes, indeed, unfortunately, he could not press his lathered face to mine! "Wait a little," he exclaimed, darting toward the washbasin, full of water, "wait an instant!" But it seemed as if it took him a week to wash it off. CHAPTER XV MY WIFE GOES TO A DANCE Madame--Ah! it is so nice of you to come home early! (Looking at the clock.) A quarter to six. But how cold you are! your hands are frozen; come and sit by the fire. (She puts a log on the fire.) I have been thinking of you all day. It is cruel to have to go out in such weather. Have you finished your doubts? are you satisfied? Monsieur--Quite well satisfied, dear. (Aside.) But I have never known my wife to be so amiable. (Aloud, taking up the bellows.) Quite well satisfied, and I am very hungry. Has my darling been good? Madame--You are hungry. Good! (Calling out.) Marie, call into the kitchen that your master wants to dine early. Let them look after everything--and send up a lemon. Monsieur--A mystery? Madame--Yes, Monsieur, I have a little surprise for you, and I fancy that it will delight you. Monsieur--Well, what is the surprise? Madame--Oh! it is a real surprise. How curious you look! your eyes are glittering already. Suppose I were not to tell you anything? Monsieur--Then you would vex me very much. Madame--There, I don't want to vex you. You are going to have some little green oysters and a partridge. Am I good?