remained for almost an hour.

"'"Madame had to dress," said Gobain, to hide Honorine's hesitancy
under a pride of appearance which was flattering to me.

"'During a long quarter of an hour we both of us were possessed by an
involuntary nervous trembling as great as that which seizes a speaker
on the platform, and we spoke to each other sacred phrases, like those
of persons taken by surprise who "make believe" a conversation.

"'"You see, Honorine," said I, my eyes full of tears, "the ice is
broken, and I am so tremulous with happiness that you must forgive the
incoherency of my language. It will be so for a long time yet."

"'"There is no crime in being in love with your wife," said she with
a forced smile.

"'"Do me the favor," said I, "no longer to work as you do. I have
heard from Madame Gobain that for three weeks you have been living on
your savings; you have sixty thousand francs a year of your own, and
if you cannot give me back your heart, at least do not abandon your
fortune to me."

"'"I have long known your kindness," said she.

"'"Though you should prefer to remain here," said I, "and to
preserve your independence; though the most ardent love should find no
favor in your eyes, still, do not toil."

"'I gave her three certificates for twelve thousand francs a year