"Very well, I think," the young man said. "You're the most immoral
person I've lately had the privilege of conversing with."

Madame Clairin took it calmly. "Possibly. When was ever a great
peacemaker not immoral?"

"Ah no," Longmore protested. "You're too superficial to be a great
peacemaker. You don't begin to know anything about Madame de Mauves."

She inclined her head to one side while her fine eyes kept her visitor
in view; she mused a moment and then smiled as with a certain
compassionate patience. "It's not in my interest to contradict you."

"It would be in your interest to learn, madam" he resolutely returned,
"what honest men most admire in a woman--and to recognise it when you
see it."

She was wonderful--she waited a moment. "So you ARE in love!" she then
effectively brought out.

For a moment he thought of getting up, but he decided to stay. "I wonder
if you'd understand me," he said at last, "if I were to tell you that I
have for Madame de Mauves the most devoted and most respectful
friendship?"

"You underrate my intelligence. But in that case you ought to exert your
influence to put an end to these painful domestic scenes."

"Do you imagine she talks to me about her domestic scenes?" Longmore
cried.