took a fashion journal which was lying on the dressing-table, and sat down on a sort of plushcovered stool. He asked:
"Is there a rebus in this number?"
"Yes, I think there is a rebus."
"Have you guessed it?"
"No, I have not guessed it."
"Ah! ah! let's have a look at it."
While Monsieur, with wrinkled brow, was absorbed in the study of the rebus, Madame said, a little dryly:
"Robert?"
"My darling."
"Then you notice nothing?"
"No. What? In this rebus?"
She shrugged her shoulders, and pursed up her lips.
"It is not a question of the rebus. Then you notice nothing? Well, you never notice anything."
Monsieur surveyed the room from carpet to ceiling, from dressing-table to door, with an annoyed and a very round look, which was excessively comical.
"No, indeed! What is it? Is there anything new here, then, that I have not noticed? I see nothing, upon my word."
Madame became very sad, and she groaned:
"Robert, you no longer love me."
"What! I no longer love you! Indeed, that is putting it a little too strong!"
