M. de Brévannes had taken a box for this representation so much talked about, with the intention of being agreeable to his wife.
[Illustration 08: The Dress Circle Box No. 7]
The curtain had not yet been drawn up, and the house was filling rapidly. Bertha went very seldom into society, but in spite of her sadness she looked awhile with childish curiosity at the persons as they entered their boxes, and then relapsed into her painful reverie.
M. de Brévannes, annoyed at the silence of his wife, said to her, whilst with difficulty he repressed his temper,--
"Nothing,--nothing! and yet you are as dull and melancholy as death. Supposing I have been wrong, you are making me sensible of it in the most cruel manner."
"I am trying to forget it; and, perhaps, one day----"
"That is no fault of mine; but do not let us talk about it. You know that I have plenty of cause for sorrow."
"Are you referring now to your father? You must at least confess that he was excessively violent with me."
"He loves me so tenderly, that he even exaggerated what you had done. He has but me in the whole world; and so, Charles, I cannot believe that you really mean in future to refuse me permission to go and see him as usual."
"My dear little Bertha, you are so pretty, that I must lay some conditions on my promise."
"Ah, Charles, be generous without stipulations."
"What you say is very flattering," said M. de Brévannes abruptly; then, he continued, in a milder tone, "Well, well, we will see. You do with me just as you like, and I consent."
"Really, really, I may go to my father," said Bertha, turning towards him with her eyes sparkling, and her countenance almost restored to happiness.
M. de Brévannes glanced at the back of the box, placed his hands on his eyes, and said laughingly,--
"If I am to keep my promise, I must not look at you."
"Ah, thanks, a thousand thanks, Charles, and now I shall be so happy all the evening."
"That is to say, so handsome. So much the better, for my self-esteem as a husband will have nothing now to apprehend from the vicinity of Madame Girard."
"I do not pretend to rival with her; but how late she is. Are you sure she received the coupon you sent her two days ago?"
"Yes, for I gave it to Girard himself; but to keep up her character as the 'observed of all observers,' Madame Girard will not come until after every one else, in order to produce an effect."