was dying of it. My dear boy, some consideration is due from
a gentleman to a woman he has so deeply compromised, especially when, as
in my case, she has to be very careful of her reputation.

"Stay to dinner, my darling--and remember that I must treat you with all
the more apparent coldness because you are guilty of this too obvious
mishap."

Baron Montes was presently announced; Valerie rose and hurried forward
to meet him; she spoke a few sentences in his ear, enjoining on him the
same reserve as she had impressed on Wenceslas; the Brazilian assumed
a diplomatic reticence suitable to the great news which filled him with
delight, for he, at any rate was sure of his paternity.

Thanks to these tactics, based on the vanity of the man in the lover
stage of his existence, Valerie sat down to table with four men, all
pleased and eager to please, all charmed, and each believing himself
adored; called by Marneffe, who included himself, in speaking to
Lisbeth, the five Fathers of the Church.

Baron Hulot alone at first showed an anxious countenance, and this was
why. Just as he was leaving the office, the head of the staff of clerks
had come to his private room--a General with whom he had served for
thirty years--and Hulot had spoken to him as to appointing Marneffe to
Coquet's place, Coquet having consented to retire.

"My dear fellow," said he, "I would not ask this favor of the Prince
without our having agreed on the matter, and knowing that you approved."

"My good friend," replied the other, "you must allow me to observe that,
for your own sake, you should not insist on this nomination. I have
already told you my opinion. There would be a scandal in the office,
where there is a great deal too much talk already about you and Madame
Marneffe. This, of course, is between ourselves. I have no wish to touch
you on a sensitive spot, or disoblige you in any way, and I will prove
it. If you are determined to get Monsieur Coquet's place, and he will
really be a loss in the War Office, for he has been here since 1809, I
will go into the country for a fortnight, so as to leave the field open
between you and the Marshal, who loves you as a son. Then I shall
take neither part, and shall have nothing on my conscience as an
administrator."

"Thank you very much," said Hulot. "I will reflect on what you have
said."

"In allowing myself to say so much, my dear friend, it is because your
personal interest is far more deeply impl