This etext was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of thefile for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making anentire meal of them. D.W.]
By GEORGES OHNET
In the drawing-room Jeanne and Serge remained standing, facing eachother. The mask had fallen from their faces; the forced smile haddisappeared. They looked at each other attentively, like two duellistsseeking to read each other's game, so that they may ward off the fatalstroke and prepare the decisive parry.
"Why did you leave for England three weeks ago, without seeing me andwithout speaking to me?"
"What could I have said to you?" replied the Prince, with an air offatigue and dejection.
Jeanne flashed a glance brilliant as lightning:
"You could have told me that you had just asked for Micheline's hand!"
"That would have been brutal!"
"It would have been honest! But it would have necessitated anexplanation, and you don't like explaining. You have preferred leavingme to guess this news from the acts of those around me, and the talk ofstrangers."
All these words had been spoken by Jeanne with feverish vivacity. Thesentences were as cutting as strokes from a whip. The young girl'sagitation was violent; her cheeks were red, and her breathing was hardand stifled with emotion. She stopped for a moment; then, turning towardthe Prince, and looking him full in the face, she said:
"And so, this marriage is decided?"
Serge answered,
"Yes."
It was fainter than a whisper. As if she could not believe it, Jeannerepeated:
"You are going to marry Micheline?"
And as Panine in a firmer voice answered again, "Yes!" the young girltook two rapid steps and brought her flushed face close to him.
"And I, then?" she cried with a violence she could no longer restrain.
Serge made a sign. The drawing-room window was still open, and fromoutside they could be heard.
"Jeanne, in mercy calm yourself," replied he. "You are in a state ofexcitement."
"Which makes you uncomfortable?" interrupted the young girl mockingly.
"Yes, but for your sake only," said he, coldly.
"For mine?"
"Certainly. I fear your committing an imprudence which might harm you."
"Yes; but you with me! And it is that only which makes you afraid."
The Prince looked at Mademoiselle de Cernay, smilingly. Changing histone, he took her hand in his.
"How naughty you are to-night! And what temper you are showing towardpoor Serge! What an opinion he will have of himself after yourdisplaying such a flattering scene of jealousy!"
Jeanne drew away her hand.
"Ah, don't try to joke. This is not the moment, I assure you. You don'texactly realize your situation. Don't you understand that I am preparedto tell Madame Desvarennes everything—"
"Everything!" said the Prince. "In truth, it would not amount to much.You would tell her that I met you in England; that I courted you, andthat you found my attentions agreeable. And then? It pleases you to