"I don't tell you to misconduct yourself, you know!" said she quickly. "For instance, I should not like to be seen with your Clara, for fear people should say I was as bad as she. But when a girl stays quietly with one lover, and has nothing to blame herself for—do you think that wrong?"
"No," replied Denise. "But I don't care for it, that's all." There was a fresh silence. In the small icy-cold room they were smiling to each other, greatly affected by this whispered conversation. "Besides, one must have some affection for some one before doing so," resumed she, her cheeks scarlet.
Pauline was astonished. She set up a laugh, and embraced her a second time, saying: "But, my darling, when you meet and like each other! You are funny! People won't force you. Look here, would you like Baugé t
