"What is the matter with you to-night?" said Marguerite, rising and coming to the back of the box and kissing me on the forehead.

"You should go to bed," she replied, with that ironical air which went so well with her delicate and witty face.

"You know that I shouldn't be able to sleep there."

"Well, then, it won't do for you to come and be pettish here because you have seen a man in my box."

"Yes, it is. I know; and you are wrong, so let us say no more about it. You will go back with Prudence after the theatre, and you will stay there till I call. Do you understand?"

"Do you know that I am really afraid that I shall get very fond of you? Ask Prudence."

"Ah," said she, "it is amazing!"

"Now, you must go back to your seat. The count will be coming back, and there is nothing to be gained by his finding you here."