very unhappy if my friend did not please you. We were both rather
afraid of it, he and I, though he was delighted at my marriage. You
will make him very happy if you tell him that you love him,--yes, as
an old friend."

"I'll go and dress, the day is so fine; and we will all three ride
together," said Clementine, ringing for her maid.



II

Paz was leading so subterranean a life that the fashionable world of
Paris asked who he was when the Comtesse Laginska was seen in the Bois
de Boulogne riding between her husband and a stranger. During the ride
Clementine insisted that Thaddeus should dine with them. This caprice
of the sovereign lady compelled Paz to make an evening toilet.
Clementine dressed for the occasion with a certain coquetry, in a
style that impressed even Adam himself when she entered the salon
where the two friends awaited her.

"Comte Paz," she said, "you must go with us to the Opera."

This was said in the tone which, coming from a woman means: "If you
refuse we shall quarrel."

"Willingly, madame," replied the captain. "But as I have not the
fortune of a count, have the kindness to call me captain."

"Very good, captain; give me your arm," she said,--taking it and