But he seized her by the waist and seized by madness, carried her rapidly away. He kissed her on the cheek, on the temple, on the neck, all the while dancing with joy. They threw themselves down panting at the edge of a thicket, lit up by the rays of the setting sun, and before they had recovered breath they became friends again without her understanding his transport. They returned, holding each other by the hand, when suddenly, across the trees, they perceived on the river, the canoe manned by the four women. The large Pauline also saw them, for she drew herself up and blew kisses to Madeleine. And then she cried: "Until to-night!" Madeleine replied: "Until to-night!" Paul believed he suddenly felt his heart enveloped in ice. They re-entered the house for dinner. They installed themselves in one of the arbors, close to the water, and set about eating in silence. When night arrived, they brought a candle inclosed in a glass globe, which lit them up with a feeble and glimmering light; and they heard every moment the bursting out of the shouts of the boatmen in the great saloon on the first floor. Towards dessert, Paul, taking Madeleine's hand, tenderly said to her: "I feel very tired, my darling; unless you have any objection, we will go to bed early." She, however, understood the ruse, and shot an enigmatical glance at him, that glance of treachery which so readily appears at the bottom of a woman's eyes. Then having reflected she answered: "You can go to bed if you wish, but I have promised to go to the ball at La Grenonillere." He smiled in a piteous manner, one of those smiles with which one veils the most horrible suffering, but he replied in a coaxing but agonized tone: "If you were very kind, we should remain here, both of us." She indicated no with her head, without opening her mouth. He insisted: "I beg of you, my Bichette." Then she roughly broke out: "You know what I said to you. If you are not satisfied the door is open. No one wishes to keep you. As for myself, I have promised; I shall go." He placed his two elbows upon the table, covered his face with his hands and remained there pondering sorrowfully. The boat people came down again, bawling as usual. They set off in their vessels for the ball at La Grenonillere. Madeleine said to Paul: "If you are not coming, say so, and I will ask one of these gentlemen to take me." Paul rose: "Let us go!" murmured he. And they left.