She was eating, with an affectation of gluttony, a slice of pâté de foie gras. Frederick, in order to make himself agreeable to her, followed her example, with a bottle of wine on his knees.
The four-wheeled cabriolet reappeared. It was Madame Arnoux! Her face was startlingly pale.
“Give me some champagne,” said Rosanette.
And, lifting up her glass, full to the brim as high as possible, she exclaimed:
“Look over there! Look at my protector’s wife, one of the virtuous women!”
There was a great burst of laughter all round her; and the cabriolet disappeared from view. Frederick tugged impatiently at her dress, and was on the point of flying into a passion. But Cisy was there, in the same attitude as before, and, with increased assurance, he invited Rosanette to dine with him that very ev
