"This is a singular way of forgetting people; but if you believe it will have its effect, then, sir, some day I may again consent to see you." "Ah! madame, what excessive goodness!" "But mind, if I am not satisfied with the progress of your indifference, you will not obtain a single interview from me." "I feel confident that I may promise you, madame, that you shall have no cause to regret the favour you grant me." After a moment's silence, Paula replied,-- "You must think it very surprising, sir, after what formerly passed between us----" "Madame----" "I will not add another word. One day you shall know the motive of my conduct and my generosity; but it is growing late, and I must return home. Tell me who is the person who will introduce Madame de Brévannes to me?" "Madame de Saint-Pierre, cousin to M. de Luceval: she has already offered me her friendly services." "Yes, I have frequently met her in society. Remember your promise, sir, and I will assent to the request." "And you leave me already? Oh! I had so much to say to you. One more word--one more--I entreat of you." "Impossible!--Iris, come." The young girl followed her mistress, descending the steps of the labyrinth, after having exchanged a meaning look with M. de Brévannes. Bertha's husband was now a still greater dupe of Iris's stratagem with respect to the black book, as, in consequence of the revelation of the gipsy girl as to Raphael's infidelity, Paula had not testified the horror she must have felt at the sight of the man who had slain her betrothed lover. This subject gave additional authority to the collection of Madame de Hansfeld's private thoughts. De Brévannes, as elated as overjoyed at the desire of Paula to form an acquaintance with Bertha, believed himself the only and real motive for seeking this introduction, which, no doubt, at a later period, would assure and facilitate his daily intimacy with Paula. Whilst awaiting with extreme and confident impatience the moment of again inspecting, through the medium of the black book, the real impression caused on the mind of Madame de Hansfeld, De Brévannes returned home with a light and contented heart. A short time previously Bertha had returned from her father's, dejected and dispirited. She had seen De Hansfeld, no doubt for the last time, and was thus compelled for ever to renounce the sweet and dear hopes in which she had so fondly indulged. Learning that his wife was at home, De Brévannes, on entering, went straight to her apartment. CHAPTER XXXVII PROPOSITION De Brévannes did not for a moment consider how humiliating and odious was the part he was preparing for his wife: no consideration, no scruple, ever prevented this man from going straight to his purpose. Under the existing circumstances, and reflecting how he could make use of Bertha as a means to his end, he said, with a kind of villainous cynicism,-- "This is the first time that my marriage has ever been of any use to me."