Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/217

Rh Mademoiselle Josephine returned with a heightened colour, and her cap very much awry. "What is the matter, mademoiselle?" demanded Madame de Piennes.

"Nothing, madam, only M. de Salligny says that I have grown fat."

In reality the plumpness of Mademoiselle Josephine might have surprised M. de Salligny who had been travelling for more than two years. In days of old he had been a favourite of Mademoiselle Josephine, and very attentive to her mistress. Nephew of an intimate friend of Madame de Piennes, he had been seen constantly at her house in the train of his aunt. Moreover, it was almost the only respectable house where he was seen. Max de Salligny had the reputation of a worthless fellow, a gambler, quarreller, wine-bibber, but the best fellow in the world withal. He was the despair of his aunt, Madame Aubrée, who adored him nevertheless. Many times had she tried to draw him from the life which he led, but always had his evil habits triumphed over her wise counsels. Max was two years older than Madame de Piennes. They had known each other from childhood, and before her marriage he appeared to regard her with more than a common interest. Madame Aubrée often said to her: "My dear, if you chose,