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With a mischievous wink, Serge called Madame Desvarennes's attention to the mayor's solemn appearance as he was galloping with Micheline, also the comical positions of the rustics. Micheline was smiling. She was enjoying herself. All this homely gayety, of which she was the cause, made her feel happy. She enjoyed the pleasure of those around her.
Pierre has certainly returned to claim his right as betrothed, and Mademoiselle Micheline loves Prince Serge. Out of this a serious conflict will take place in the house. There will be a battle. And as the parties in question are about equal in strength, I am seeking adherents for my candidate. I own, in all humility, I am on love's side.
"My dear Pierre, you come in time from the land of the sphinx," interrupted Jeanne gravely, and glancing intently at Micheline. "There is here, I assure you, a difficult enigma to solve." "What is it?" "That which is written in this heart," she replied, lightly touching her companion's breast.
"Well," said Micheline, with a faint smile, "as you are so kindly disposed, promise that we shall leave for Paris this week. The season is far advancing. All your friends will have returned. It will not be such a great sacrifice which I ask from you." "Willingly," said Serge, surprised at Micheline's sudden resolution.
"I am not easily enticed, as you know," said Jeanne, in a firm voice, trying to smile. Micheline and Madame Desvarennes had drawn near. "Come, Cayrol," said Serge, in a tone of command; "I am happy to-day; perhaps I may succeed in your behalf as I have done in my own. Let me plead your cause with Mademoiselle de Cernay?" "With all my heart.
And as she remained silent, not daring to speak again: "Mother," continued Micheline, with sadness, yet firmly, "this explanation was inevitable; I have suffered beforehand, knowing that I should have to choose between my affection for my husband and my respect for you." "Between the one and the other," said the mistress, bitterly, "you don't hesitate, I see."
Micheline intended following her husband, but Madame Desvarennes, without rising, took hold of her hand. "Stay with me for a little while," she said, tenderly. "We have scarcely exchanged ten words since my arrival. Come, tell me, are you pleased to see me?" "How can you ask me that?" answered Micheline, seating herself on the sofa beside her mother.
"I was there; I did not miss a word." "If you heard me," said Jeanne, "you know that everything separates us. My duty, yours, and my will." "A will which is enforced, and against which your heart rebels. A will to which I will not submit." As he spoke, Serge advanced toward her, trying to seize her in his arms. "Take care!" replied Jeanne. "Micheline and my husband are there.
And Serge having gallantly kissed her hand, she regained the terrace. Left alone, Serge asked himself the meaning of the transformation in his wife. For the first time she had shown signs of taking the initiative. Had the question of money been raised by Madame Desvarennes, and was Micheline taking him back to Paris in the hope of inducing a change in his habits? They would see.
He commenced with cards; he continues with horses; he will finish with worthless women!" "Mamma!" cried Micheline, wounded to the heart. "And your money will pay the piper! But, happily, I am here to put your household matters right. I am going to keep your gentleman so well under that in future he will walk straight, I'll warrant you!"
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