Volume I Part 14 (2/2)
”They would feel the heat more downstairs.”
”She converses very agreeably,” said our widower to himself. ”She doesn't try to be bright, to make fun of me, as the others did. I like this way better; I feel more at ease with this stranger, and something tells me that I have at last found what I sought. She doesn't try to mystify me; but after all, I prefer that she shouldn't know me; then, if I choose, I can retain my incognito with her.”
The black domino stood beside the Spaniard, apparently waiting for him to renew the conversation. He, after pulling up his boots, decided to offer her his arm, murmuring in honeyed tones:
”Will you take a turn or two in the corridor with me?”
”With pleasure.”
”You are not expecting anybody?”
”No, I am not expecting anybody.”
”You are quite sure? Pardon me for asking the question, but, you see, I have been walking with several ladies, and they all left me abruptly, to run after other men! Frankly, I don't care to take the risk of having that happen again.”
”Oh! don't be afraid, monsieur; I am not capable of such conduct. I see clearly that I have to do with a _comme il faut_ gentleman, and if you knew me better you would understand that you can place entire confidence in me. I have never known what it was to make sport of a man--I can safely take my oath to that; and I flatter myself that I enjoy an excellent reputation in the house where I lodge.”
All this was said in the tone of a servant applying for a position and announcing her readiness to refer to her former employers.
But Chamoureau was delighted; he was sure that he had found what he wanted, and he pressed the arm that lay in his as he rejoined:
”What you tell me gives me great pleasure. I believe you; there is an accent of truth in your words.”
”Besides, you can ask my employers if they are not satisfied with me.”
”Your employers?”
”To be sure--the people I work for.”
”Ah! you work--in a shop?”
”Yes, monsieur; oh! I don't set up for a princess myself! I told you that I had no desire to deceive anyone.”
”That is very nice of you, and I can only praise your frankness. Might I inquire what branch of trade you are in?”
”I work for a shoemaker, monsieur; I sew ladies' shoes.”
Chamoureau was not so well pleased with this admission; he would have preferred a milliner or a flower-maker; however, he said to himself:
”After all, there are some very pretty shoe-st.i.tchers; if she is virtuous enough to have only one lover, I shall have made a lucky find all the same; she's a little thin, but she must be pretty. I'll tell Freluchon that she's in the ballet at the Cirque. She's a blonde, and I don't dislike blondes.--Tell me, lovely domino,” he said aloud, ”did you come to the ball alone?”
”No, monsieur, I came with a friend of mine; but she was looking for someone, and when she met him, I left them; I was afraid of being in their way.”
”That was most thoughtful! So then you are free?”
”Yes, monsieur, entirely free!”
”And no previous entanglement--no liaison?”
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