Part 44 (1/2)
M. Spiegel, who is very polite, has taken notice of me simply because I am the grandchild of his hostess, and not for any other reason.”
”He has taken notice of you for the same reason which makes everyone take notice of you--just because you are adorable, and you know that very well!”
”Oh, no! I--”
”It was quite certain that he would be fascinated by you, just as all the others are, and I was very silly not to have foreseen what would happen. I counted too much on his affection--I thought that he loved me just as I love him--I was mistaken, that's all!”
”Then I shall not see anything more of you? You will avoid all opportunities of meeting me?”
”No; we shall spend the whole of the day together at the paper-chase.”
”As you will be driving, and I shall be riding, I shall not be much in your way.”
Bijou was silent for a minute, and then she began again in an anxious tone:
”You don't think, at any rate, that it is my fault--what has happened?”
”No,” answered Jeanne; ”I don't think anything, except that you are a charming girl, and I am merely common-place. Bijou, dear, don't make yourself wretched about it, please!”
”I should be so unhappy if I were not to see anything more of you!”
”But you will see me! The day after to-morrow I am coming back to Bracieux for your play. I must, you know, considering that we are both acting, M. Spiegel and I.”
”Why do you say, 'M. Spiegel'? Why do you not say Franz like you always do? Are you angry with him?”
”On Sat.u.r.day,” continued Jeanne, without answering Bijou's question, ”we shall see each other at the races, and then again at the Tourvilles' dance; you see we shall scarcely be separated at all.”
”All the same it won't be as though you were staying here,” answered Bijou, with a sorrowful look, ”and, then, too, I know very well that you are going away feeling different towards me.”
Just at this moment the maid entered the room.
”Madame wishes to speak to mademoiselle in the drawing-room.”
”In the drawing-room at this time of day!” exclaimed Bijou, in surprise.
”M. de Clagny is there.”
”Oh! very well! Say that I am coming at once.”
”Will you go down with me?” asked Bijou, turning to Mademoiselle Dubuisson.
”No, I want to finish packing my trunk, as it is to be sent to Pont-sur-Loire after luncheon.”
A quarter of an hour later, Bijou returned in great glee.
”Ah! you don't know something. We are going to spend the evening together to-day!”
”Where?”
”Guess!”