Madame Bourdieu was now escorting Valerie to the door. She had the same
plump fresh face as usual, and even smiled in a motherly way; but the
other was quivering, as with distress and grief. "You are not sensible,
my dear child," said Madame Bourdieu to her. "It is simply foolish of
you. Come, go home and be good."
Then, Valerie having withdrawn without uttering a word, Madame Bourdieu
was greatly surprised to see Mathieu, who had risen from his chair. And
she suddenly became serious, displeased with herself at having spoken in
his presence. Fortunately, a diversion was created by the arrival of
Norine, who came in from the refectory; and Mathieu then promptly settled
his business and went off, after promising Norine that he would return
some day to see her.
To make up for lost time he was walking hastily towards the Rue La
Boetie, when, all at once, he came to a halt, for at the very corner of
that street he again perceived Valerie, now talking to a man, none other
than her husband. So Morange had come with her, and had waited for her in
the street while she interviewed Madame Bourdieu. And now they both stood
there consulting together, hesitating and evidently in distress.
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