Bertha was lying on her back, her legs parted and lifted a little. Alfred got between, on his knees, and lifted his darling's chemise right up to her neck, thus exposing her naked form to my gaze. I expected to see her get up and turn her backside to her lover as before, as I thought that was the only way it could be done, but to my great astonishment I found it was not so. Monsieur B. stretched himself upon her; Bertha lifted her legs and crossed them on his back, in such a manner that nothing escaped me. I could distinctly see Bertha's hand capture the instrument, and direct its head to the centre of the little slit that opened to receive it. Monsieur B. gave a vigorous stroke of the loins, to which Bertha answered, and at least half of the machine penetrated into the little hole, which dilated and began to engulph it, A few more movements completed the insertion, and I saw their two growths of hair mingled together. At last I knew all about it.

Now there was nothing but movements, sighs, inarticulate words, and maddening shivers.

"Let me have it all… Ah! how fine it is… Go gently, … Let us spend slowly… Hold me tight."

"My sweet darling!.. Lift up your thighs, so that it can get right in… There!.. Do you feel it? Ah! how delightful!"

"I die!.. Are you ready?… My Alfred; I'm going to spend… I… I… make haste!"

"I'm ready… It's coming… There, it comes… Spend now… I'm spending… Ah!.. I've come!"

Both remained quite quiet for a moment, then Alfred rose and I saw the dear affair as before, coming out little, red, and dropping a tear.

Bertha remained a little longer without giving signs of life, but she got up at last, and after smothering Alfred with kisses went for an instant into her dressing-room.

I thought it was all over, and began to arrange my retreat, but a secret presentiment made me stop.