“Oh, you can spend the time en route,” said Gustave. “It will be better.”
The duchess looked at me; I looked at the duchess.
“My dear Gustave,” said I, “you are very considerate. You could not do more if I also were in love with Lady Cynthia.”
“Nor,” said the duchess, “if I were quite unfit to be spoken to.”
“If my remaining till the afternoon will not weary the duchess——” said I.
“The duchess will endure it,” said she, with a nod and a smile.
Thus it was settled, a shake of the head conveying Gustave’s judgment. And soon after, Mme. de Saint-Maclou bade us good-night. Tired with my journey, and (to tell the truth) a little out of humor with my friend, I was not long in seeking my bed. At the top of the stairs a group of three girls were gossiping; one of them handed me a candle and flung open the door of my room with a roguish smile on her broad good-tempered face.
“One of the greatest virtues of women,” said I pausing on the threshold, “is fidelity.”
“We are devoted to Mme. la Duchesse,” said the girl.
“Another, hardly behind it, is discretion,” I continued.
“Madame inculcates it on us daily,” said she.
I took out a napoleon.
“Ladies,” said I, placing the napoleon in the girl’s hand, “I am obliged for your kind attentions. Good-night!” and I shut the door on
