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Updated: May 14, 2025
Pauline wished to know if she might go to see the play that was running, and as Malignon laughed and shook his head, she declared it was very silly; authors ought to write plays fit for girls to see. She was only allowed such entertainments as La Dame Blanche and the classic drama could offer.
"Oh, it was simply marvellous!" repeated Juliette in parrot-fashion, as, standing before a mirror, she rearranged a rebellious curl. "It is annoying to be so young; one can't go to anything!" said Pauline, pouting like a spoiled child. "I went with papa to the theatre-door at midnight, to find out how the piece had taken." "Yes, and we tumbled upon Malignon," said the father.
The scene realized to the mind the merrymaking of a fairy-tale to which trooped Cupids in disguise to honor the betrothal of some Prince Charming. "I'm stifling!" exclaimed Malignon. "I'm off to inhale some fresh air." As he left the drawing-room he threw the door wide open. The daylight from the street then entered in a lurid stream, bedimming the glare of lamps and candles.
Madame Deberle affirmed no woman tailor could fit you properly; a man was requisite. Two of the ladies, however, were mumbling something under their breath, and, a silence intervening, two or three words became audible. Every one then broke into a laugh, while languidly waving their fans. "Monsieur Malignon!" announced the servant. A tall young man, dressed in good style, was ushered in.
So, on the first outburst, which took place one night when they stood side by side gazing at the sea like a pair of lovers in a comic opera, she had repelled him, in her astonishment and vexation that he should spoil the romance which served as an amusement to her. On his return to Paris Malignon had vowed that he would be more skilful in his attack.
In this fashion every quarter of an hour Malignon opened the door to let in some fresh air. Still there was no cessation of the piano-playing. Little Guiraud, in her Alsatian costume, with a butterfly of black ribbon in her golden hair, swung round in the dance with a harlequin twice her height. A Highlander whirled Marguerite Tissot round so madly that she lost her milk-pail.
Thereupon Malignon loudly lisped: "Oh! you don't believe the story about my Newfoundland! Yet I received a medal for it, and I'll show it to you." Then he added, in a whisper: "You gave me your promise remember." A family group now entered the drawing-room, and Juliette broke into complimentary greetings, while Malignon reappeared amongst the ladies, glass in eye.
A low "Hush!" ran round the room, the voices died away, and a stolid look of annoyance crept into every face. Only the fans could be heard rustling through the heated atmosphere. Madame de Guiraud's sister sang, but Helene never listened. Her eyes were now riveted on Malignon, who feigned an intense love of music, and appeared to be enraptured with the "Turtle Doves." Was it possible?
"I beseech you," Malignon was saying, "come the day after to-morrow. I shall wait for you till three o'clock." "Why cannot you talk seriously," replied Madame Deberle, with a laugh. "What foolish things you say!" But with greater determination he repeated: "I shall wait for you the day after to-morrow." Then she hurriedly gave a whispered reply: "Very well the day after to-morrow."
The red curtain dropped again, and the uproar was at its height when Malignon's presence was announced by Pauline, in her customary style: "Ah! here's the handsome Malignon!" He made his way into the room, shoving the chairs aside, quite out of breath. "Dear me! what a funny idea to close the shutters!" he exclaimed, surprised and hesitating.
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