"Yes; what is it?"

"To consult me when you receive a proposal and to accept no onewithout asking my advice."

"Yes, I will gladly."

"And it is to be a secret between us--not a word to your portlyher ormother."

"Not a word."

Rival approached them saying: "Mademoiselle, your father wants youin the ballroom."

She exclaimed: "Come, Bel-Ami," but he refused, for he had decided toleave at once, wishing to be alone with his thoughts. He went insearch of his wife, and found her drinking chocolate at the buffetwith two strange men. She introduced her husband without namingthem.

In a short while, he asked: "Shall we go?"

"Whenever you like."