On seeing the hunchback, the orphan could not help blushing, but, as she cast another glance at him, she was touched by the expression of tender solicitude with which he was regarding her, and the meaning smile he bestowed upon her reassured her completely in regard to that gentleman's discretion. The time for forming the quadrille having arrived, Gerald approached Mlle. de Beaumesnil and said: "I have come to thank you for the promise you so kindly made to my mother." "And I am ready to fulfil it, monsieur, as soon as I know--" "Why I engaged you for this quadrille when I am not able to dance?" "Yes, monsieur." "It is an innovation, mademoiselle, that would prove very popular, I am sure, if it were adopted," said Gerald, smiling in spite of his melancholy. "And this innovation, monsieur?" "For many persons, and I confess that I am one of the number, a quadrille is merely a pretext for a quarter of an hour's tete-a-tete. Then why not say in so many words: 'Madame, or mademoiselle, will you do me the honour to talk with me for the next quarter of an hour?' and as one can talk much more comfortably sitting on a sofa than standing, why, let us sit through this dance and talk." "I think the idea a very happy one, monsieur." "And you consent?" "Certainly," replied Ernestine, moving a little closer to Madame de la Rochaigue, and thus making room for Gerald beside her. The dancers having taken their places on the floor, most of the seats were vacant; and Gerald, having no neighbour on the other side, could talk to Ernestine without any danger of being overheard, especially as Madame de la Rochaigue, in order to give her ward greater freedom, moved a little farther from Mlle. de Beaumesnil, and a little nearer to Madame de Senneterre. Up to this time, M. de Senneterre had been talking in a light, half jesting tone, but as soon as he found himself virtually alone with Mlle. de Beanmesnil, his manner changed entirely, and his features and accents alike indicated the deepest interest and anxiety. "Mademoiselle," he said earnestly, almost solemnly, "though I am far from well, I came here this evening to do my duty as an honourable man." Mlle. de Beanmesnil experienced a feeling of intense relief. Gerald had no intention of deceiving Herminie, then, and doubtless he was about to explain why he had not relinquished all pretensions to her--Ernestine's--hand. "Do you know how an heiress is married off, mademoiselle?" asked Gerald. And as Mlle. de Beaumesnil gazed at him in surprise, without making any reply, Gerald continued: