"Oh, he has chosen such pretty colors," interrupted Micheline, with a smile. "Pearl-gray and silver, and pink cap. It is charming!" "You think so? Well, you are not difficult to please. And the club? What do you say to his gambling?" Micheline turned pale, and with a constraint which hurt her mother, said: "Is it necessary to make a fuss about a few games at bouillotte?" This continual defense of Serge exasperated Madame Desvarennes. "Don't talk to me," she continued, violently. "I am well informed on that subject. He leaves you alone every evening to go and play with gentlemen who turn up the king with a dexterity the Legitimists must envy. My dear, shall I tell you his fortune? He commenced with cards; he continues with horses; he will finish with worthless women!" "Mamma!" cried Micheline, wounded to the heart. "And your money will pay the piper! But, happily, I am here to put your household matters right. I am going to keep your gentleman so well under that in future he will walk straight, I'll warrant you!" Micheline rose and stood before her mother, looking so pale that the latter was frightened. "Mother," she said, in trembling tones, "if ever you say one word to my husband, take care! I shall never see you again!" Madame Desvarennes flinched before her daughter. It was no longer the weak Micheline who trusted to her tears, but a vehement woman ready to defend him whom she loved. And as she remained silent, not daring to speak again: "Mother," continued Micheline, with sadness, yet firmly, "this explanation was inevitable; I have suffered beforehand, knowing that I should have to choose between my affection for my husband and my respect for you." "Between the one and the other," said the mistress, bitterly, "you don't hesitate, I see." "It is my duty; and if I failed in it, you yourself, with your good sense, would see it." "Oh! Micheline, could I have expected to find you thus?" cried the mother, in despair. "What a change! It is not you who are speaking; it is not my daughter. Fool that you are! Don't you see whither you are being led? You, yourself, are preparing your own misfortune. Don't think that my words are inspired by jealousy. A higher sentiment dictates them, and at this moment my maternal love gives me, I fear, a foresight of the future. There is only just time to rescue you from the danger into which you are running. You hope to retain your husband by your generosity? There where you think you are giving proofs of love he will only see proofs of weakness. If you make yourself cheap he will count you as nothing. If you throw yourself at his feet he will trample on you." The Princess shook her head haughtily, and smiled.