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This indifference and frivolity chilled Helene, who had come to the house with passion consuming her. A longing to speak fell on her. At a venture she inquired: "Who will play the part of Chavigny?" "Why, Malignon, of course," answered Juliette, turning round with an air of astonishment. "He played Chavigny all last winter. It's a nuisance he can't come to the rehearsals.
Could Juliette have turned a willing ear to the amorous chatter of the young fop? It was at Trouville, no doubt, that some dangerous game had been played. Malignon now sat in front of Juliette, marking the time of the music by swaying to and fro with the air of one who is enraptured.
She railed at herself for her own painful repugnance when Juliette had shaken hands with her. Madame Deberle had now seemingly become reconciled with Malignon; she had curled up her little plump figure in an easy-chair, where she sat listening gleefully to his jests. Monsieur Deberle happened to pass them. "You're surely not quarrelling to-night?" asked he.
Madame Deberle and Malignon had now grown interested, and had stepped under the trees. Malignon declared the lady to be very bold. "I should faint, I'm sure," said Madame Deberle, with a frightened air. Helene heard them, for she dropped these words from among the branches: "Oh, my heart is all right! Give a stronger push, Monsieur Rambaud!" And indeed her voice betrayed no emotion.
"There's a ring at the bell; that must be he!" suddenly exclaimed Pauline. Then the faces of the two sisters assumed an air of indifference. It was Malignon who made his appearance, dressed with greater care than ever, and having a somewhat serious look.
Malignon bowed and made his exit. Madame de Chermette followed in company with Madame Tissot. Juliette, in the best of spirits, walked with them into the hall, and said to the former of these ladies with her most amiable look: "I shall call on you the day after to-morrow. I have a lot of calls to make that day." Helene stood riveted to the floor, her face quite white.
Jeanne, with great conviction in her tone, was declaring that they were in Switzerland, and that they would set out to see the glaciers, which rather astonished Lucien. "Ha, here he is!" suddenly exclaimed Pauline. Madame Deberle turned, and caught sight of Malignon descending the steps. He had scarcely time to make his bow and sit down before she attacked him.
The older children turned their heads and smiled towards their parents, who were themselves yawning behind their hands. There was thus a general feeling of relief when the great Morizot decided to take his table away. "Oh! he's awfully clever," whispered Malignon into Madame Deberle's neck.
Why, lamps in the same style could be bought at all the bazaars at seven francs fifty centimes apiece. "I paid ninety francs for it," at last ejaculated Malignon in his impatience. Thereupon she seemed delighted at having angered him. On his self-possession returning, he inquired: "Won't you take off your cloak?" "Oh, yes, I will," she answered; "it is dreadfully warm here."
Malignon, however, stretching his arms over the ladies' head-dresses, noiselessly clapped his gloved hands, and repeated "Brava! brava!" in a voice that rose high above the others. The enthusiasm promptly came to an end, every face relaxed and smiled, and a few of the ladies rose, while, with the feeling of general relief, the buzz of conversation began again.
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