“No, for five minutes, and I prefer to be nature's woman.”

“You do not wish to return to Monsieur Beruchet?”

“Oh, no!”

“You wish to return to your sister's?”

Violette made no reply.

“Do you think it inconvenient to return to your sister's?”

“I am afraid it may not please Monsieur Ernest.”

“Who is that Monsieur Ernest?”

“A young man who visits my sister and who is a journalist.”

“What makes you think that he would not like to see you with your sister?”

“Because, when by chance Madame Beruchet sent me for an errand, and I quickly ran to kiss my sister when M. Ernest was there, he looked quite sulky. He went into the other room with Marguerite and locked the door. One day I remained because the lady had told me to wait for an answer and that seemed to put them both out of temper.”

“Well, then there is an end of it, you shall be the woman of nature.”

CHAPTER III

Dear girl! It was indeed nature, but a delightful nature which inspired her.

I had some excellent books in my library. She had been reading all day.

“Did you feel dull?” I asked.

“Yes, on account of your absence, but not otherwise.”

“What did you read?”

“I read Valentine.”

“Then I am not surprised,” I replied. “That book is a masterpiece.”

“I do not know. But what I do know is that it made me cry all the time.”

I rang the bell for Madame Leonie.

“Get tea ready,” I said. Then I asked Violette: “Do you like tea?”

“I don't know. I never tasted it.”

When tea was ready, I asked Violette whether she required the service of Leonie any longer. She said, “No” so I shut the door and locked it.

“Are you going to remain here?”

“If you will allow me.”

“All night?”