Man and Maid

"If it is not putting you to sleep" she remarked--"perhaps you would not

object if I walked on and typed what I took down this morning--It seems

a pity to waste this time."

I knew that if I did not let her have her way there might be

difficulties, so I agreed--and said that I would go back to the hotel

and rest upon the sofa in the salon--So the procession started, and as

we took the allée, to bring us to the Reservoirs on the level--I

suddenly caught sight of Coralie and her last favoured one!--both of

whom are supposed to be at Deauville with the rest!

Coralie was exquisitely dressed, Duquesnois in uniform.

I realized that she had seen us, and that she could not avoid coming up

to talk, although that had not been her intention--When one is supposed

to be at Deauville with one's family, and is in reality at Versailles

with one's lover--one does not seek to recognize one's friends!

She came forward with empressement when she found the meeting was

inevitable--.

"Nicholas!" she cooed "--what happiness!"-Then she eyed Miss Sharp mischievously, making a movement as though she

expected me to introduce them--.

But Miss Sharp defeated this by immediately walking on--.

"Tiens!" said Coralie--.

"That is Miss Sharp--my secretary--What are you doing--here Coralie?"

"Perhaps the same as you, cher ami--" and she rippled with

laughter--"Versailles is so tranquil a place!"

I could have slapped her--fortunately Miss Sharp was out of earshot--.

Jean Duquesnois now joined in--he was back from the front for two

days--things were going better--peace would certainly be declared before

Christmas--.

Coralie meanwhile was looking after Miss Sharp with an expression upon

her clever face which only a Frenchwoman is able to put there--It said

as plainly as words, "So this is the reason Nicholas!--Well you have

chosen something very every-day and inexpensive this time!--Men are

certainly crazy in their tastes!"

I pretended not to notice, and so she spoke.

"Why if you can come here cannot you come to Deauville, Nicholas?--there

must be some irresistible attraction stronger than to be with your

friends!"

"Yes--he is an excellent Swedish masseur who is glued to Paris.--Also I

like solitude sometimes--."

"Solitude!" and Coralie glanced at Miss Sharp's rapidly disappearing

figure--. "Hein?"

I would not permit myself to grow angry.

"The book is nearly finished--you can tell the rest--."

"That old book! You were much more entertaining before you commenced it,

Nicholas! Perhaps the idea has come to me why!"