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186 He did not finish, but Béjard, not lacking perspicacity, did not persist.

They both went upstairs into the drawing rooms, pretending to carry on a trifling conversation.

Dobouziez started to go home. Gina went with him to the hall, helped him into his coat, and then offered him her forehead. Dobouziez kissed it lingeringly, took her head in his hands, and looked at her with pride and tenderness.

"Would you be happy, darling, to live with me again?"

"How can you even ask that?"

"Very well; if you are very good, and especially if you recover a little of your former gaiety, I shall arrange to come and live with you here. But keep my intentions secret. Goodnight, girl …"