"Yes, uncle."

"Ha! the jade! I'd have wagered it. In my time the women of the court
were cleverer at ruining a man than the courtesans of to-day; but this
one--I recognized her!--it is a bit of the last century."

"Uncle," said Octave, with a manner that was tender and grave, "you
are totally mistaken. Madame Firmiani deserves your esteem, and all
the adoration the world gives her."

"Youth, youth! always the same!" cried Monsieur de Bourbonne. "Well,
go on; tell me the same old story. But please remember that my
experience in gallantry is not of yesterday."

"My dear, kind uncle, here is a letter which will tell you nearly
all," said Octave, taking it from an elegant portfolio, _her_ gift, no
doubt. "When you have read it I will tell you the rest, and you will
then know a Madame Firmiani who is unknown to the world."

"I haven't my spectacles; read it aloud."

Octave began:--

"'My beloved--'"

"Hey, then you are still intimate with her?" interrupted his uncle.

"Why yes, of course."