"Has he come?"
"No, not yet, but the gentleman has."
"What gentleman?"
"He who was to speak to you this evening."
"To me?"
"Yes."
This colloquy took place in a kind of ante-chamber opening into her room, which was furnished with old curtains of yellow silk, chairs of green Utrecht velvet, not very new, and an old yellow sofa.
She opened the door, and, going in, saw a man seated on the sofa whom she did not know in the least, although we do, for it was the same man whom we have seen taking so much interest in her at Mesmer"s.
She had not time to question him, for he began immediately: "I know all that you are going to ask, and will tell you without asking. You are Mademoiselle Oliva, are you not?"
"Yes, sir."
"A charming person, highly nervous, and much taken by the system of M.
Mesmer."
"I have just left there."
"All this, however, your beautiful eyes are saying plainly, does not explain what brings me here."
"You are right, sir."
"Will you not do me the favor to sit down, or I shall be obliged to get up also, and that is an uncomfortable way of talking."
"Really, sir, you have very extraordinary manners."
"Mademoiselle, I saw you just now at M. Mesmer"s, and found you to be all I could wish."
"Sir!"
"Do not alarm yourself, mademoiselle. I do not tell you that I found you charming--that would seem like a declaration of love, and I have no such intention. I know that you are accustomed to have yourself called beautiful, but I, who also think so, have other things to talk to you about."
"Really, sir, the manner in which you speak to me----"
"Do not get angry before you have heard me. Is there any one that can overhear us?"
"No, sir, no one. But still----"
"Then, if no one can hear, we can converse at our ease. What do you say to a little partnership between us?"
"Really, sir----"
"Do not misunderstand; I do not say "liaison"--I say partnership; I am not talking of love, but of business."
"What kind of business?" said Oliva, with growing curiosity.
"What do you do all day?"
"Why, I do nothing, or, at least, as little as possible."
"You have no occupation--so much the better. Do you like walking?"
"Very much."
"To see sights, and go to b.a.l.l.s?"
"Excessively."
"To live well?"
"Above all things."
"If I gave you twenty-five louis a month, would you refuse me?"
"Sir!"
"My dear Mademoiselle Oliva, now you are beginning to doubt me again, and it was agreed that you were to listen quietly. I will say fifty louis if you like."
"I like fifty louis better than twenty-five, but what I like better than either is to be able to choose my own lover."
"Morbleu! but I have already told you that I do not desire to be your lover. Set your mind at ease about that."
"Then what am I to do to earn my fifty louis?"
"You must receive me at your house, and always be glad to see me. Walk out with me whenever I desire it, and come to me whenever I send for you."
"But I have a lover, sir."
"Well, dismiss him."
"Oh, Beausire cannot be sent away like that!"
"I will help you."
"No; I love him."
"Oh!"
"A little."
"That is just a little too much."