Raymond left me, and I went to see Caroline. I found her at the window. For several days past she had spent much time there, especially when she was alone. Doubtless it was so that she could watch for my coming. It seemed to me that she was gayer, more amiable, more fascinating, than usual; pleasure gleamed in her eyes. "Ah! she loves me," I thought; "she loves me truly; she is grateful, she has a feeling heart; she is coquettish only to please me. Before forming a lasting attachment, she wanted to find someone worthy of her love; her heart chose me, and I am sure that she will be true to me. I knew that, with a little patience, I should find such a woman." XIX THE TRIP TO THE COUNTRY The day came when I was to go to Madame de Marsan's. I had told Caroline that she would not see me that evening, and she had seemed greatly disappointed, although we had had a little dispute the night before concerning a certain cashmere shawl, which I saw that she ardently coveted, and which I did not propose to give her. I had given her to understand, in fact, that she did not need a cashmere shawl to be charming; that she was more attractive to me in a simple and refined costume; and we had parted on the most friendly terms. The clock struck seven; my toilet was completed. The concierge came to inform me that the cabriolet had arrived and was waiting in the courtyard. When it suited Raymond's convenience, we might start; but what in the deuce was he still doing in his room? I concluded to investigate. I found my neighbor just putting on his breeches. "What, Monsieur Raymond! haven't you got any further than that?" "Oh! I'll be ready in a moment, I assure you." "I'll bet that you won't be ready in half an hour." "Pshaw! you'll see how quick I am! While you are waiting, amuse yourself by looking over my little water colors--my sketches; there are some very good little things there, as you'll see. If I had more time to myself, I'd go into oils and exhibit at the Salon, but I am never at liberty." "I advise you to stick to water colors; yours are quite remarkable." "Aren't they? There's true burlesque, originality for you; the Calot sort of thing. Do you notice that _Suzanna at the Bath_?" "I thought it was a _Temptation of Saint Anthony_." "Oh! that's because it isn't finished. And that little _Hop-o'-my-Thumb_--what do you say to that?" "I thought it was _Bluebeard_." "That's because he has on his seven-league boots." "Come, come, neighbor! You haven't got into your breeches yet!" "Ah! they're a delicate part of the costume, you know." "But nothing but long trousers are worn now, even at balls." "When a fellow has, as I have, a fine leg and a calf fit for a model, he isn't sorry to show them.--Would you like to read my last verses, on the Marquise Désormeaux's favorite dog?" "No, thanks, much obliged!"