this last experiment, the sounds in the
streets showed that day was at hand. For a moment's space I pictured
Foedora waking to find herself in my arms. I could have stolen softly
to her side and slipped them about her in a close embrace. Resolved
to resist the cruel tyranny of this thought, I hurried into the salon,
heedless of any sounds I might make; but, luckily, I came upon a secret
door leading to a little staircase. As I expected, the key was in the
lock; I slammed the door, went boldly out into the court, and gained
the street in three bounds, without looking round to see whether I was
observed.

"A dramatist was to read a comedy at the countess' house in two days'
time; I went thither, intending to outstay the others, so as to make a
rather singular request to her; I meant to ask her to keep the following
evening for me alone, and to deny herself to other comers; but when I
found myself alone with her, my courage failed. Every tick of the clock
alarmed me. It wanted only a quarter of an hour of midnight.

"'If I do not speak,' I thought to myself, 'I must smash my head against
the corner of the mantelpiece.'

"I gave myself three minutes' grace; the three minutes went by, and
I did not smash my head upon the marble; my heart grew heavy, like a
sponge with water.

"'You are exceedingly amusing,' said she.

"'Ah, madame, if you could but understand me!' I answered.

"'What is the matter with you?' she asked. 'You are turning pale.'

"'I am hesitating to ask a favor of you.'

"Her gesture revived my courage. I asked her to make the appointment
with me.

"'Willingly,' she answered' 'but why will you not speak to me now?'

"'To be candid with you, I ought to explain the full scope of your
promise: I want to spend this evening by your side, as if we were
brother and sister. Have no fear; I am aware of your antipathies; you
must have divined me sufficiently to feel sure that I should wish you
to do nothing that could be displeasing to you; presumption, moreover,
would not thus approach you. You have been a friend to me, you have
shown me kindness and great indulgence; know, therefore, that to-morrow
I must bid you farewell.--Do not take back your word,' I exclaimed,
seeing her about to speak, and I went away.

"At eight o'clock one evening towards the end of May, Foedora and I were
alone together in her gothic boudoir. I feared no longer; I was secure
of happiness. My mistress should be mine, or I would se