coupes returning from a ball between midnight and two in the morning,
how many curious and singular scenes must pass,--meaning those coupes
with lanterns, which light both the street and the carriage, those
with their windows unshaded; in short, legitimate coupes, in which
couples can quarrel without caring for the eyes of pedestrians,
because the civil code gives a right to provoke, or beat, or kiss, a
wife in a carriage or elsewhere, anywhere, everywhere! How many
secrets must be revealed in this way to nocturnal pedestrians,--to
those young fellows who have gone to a ball in a carriage, but are
obliged, for whatever cause it may be, to return on foot. It was the
first time that Jules and Clemence had been together thus,--each in a
corner; usually the husband pressed close to his wife.

"It is very cold," remarked Madame Jules.

But her husband did not hear her; he was studying the signs above the
shop windows.

"Clemence," he said at last, "forgive me the question I am about to
ask you."

He came closer, took her by the waist, and drew her to him.

"My God, it is coming!" thought the poor woman. "Well," she said
aloud, anticipating the question, "you want to know what Monsieur de
Maulincour said to me. I will tell you, Jules; but not without fear.
Good God! how is it possible that you and I should have secrets from
one another? For the last few moments I have seen you struggling
between a conviction of our love and vague fears. But that conviction
is clear within us, is it not? And these doubts and fears, do they not