and dined at a cookshop.

At nine o'clock, Mme. de Marelle, whom he awaited in the tiny salon,
arrived. She wished to take a walk and he objected. His opposition
irritated her.

"I shall go alone, then. Adieu!"

Seeing that the situation was becoming grave, he seized her hands
and kissed them, saying:

"Pardon me, darling; I am nervous and out of sorts this evening. I
have been annoyed by business matters."

Somewhat appeased but still, vexed, she replied:

"That does not concern me; I will not be the butt for your ill
humor."

He clasped her in his arms and murmured his apologies. Still she
persisted in her desire to go out.

"I beseech you, remain here by the fire with me. Say yes."

"No," she replied, "I will not yield to your caprices."

He insisted: "I have a reason, a serious reason--"

"If you will not go with me, I shall go alone. Adieu!"