"Yes, madame," said Paz, humbly, "you are right; I am a wretch; I did
give you my word. But you see how it is; I put off leaving Malaga till
after the carnival. Besides, that woman exerts an influence over me
which--"
"An influence!--a woman who ought to be turned out of Musard's by the
police for such dancing!"
"I agree to all that; I accept the condemnation and I'll leave your
house. But you know Adam. If I give up the management of your property
you must show energy yourself. I may have been to blame about Malaga,
but I have taken the whole charge of your affairs, managed your
servants, and looked after the very least details. I cannot leave you
until I see you prepared to continue my management. You have now been
married three years, and you are safe from the temptations to
extravagance which come with the honeymoon. I see that Parisian women,
and even titled ones, do manage both their fortunes and their
households. Well, as soon as I am certain not so much of your capacity
as of your perseverance I shall leave Paris."
"It is Thaddeus of Warsaw, and not that Circus Thaddeus who speaks
now," said Clementine. "Go, and come back cured."
"Cured! never," said Paz, his eyes lowered and fixed on Clementine's
pretty feet. "You do not know, countess, what charm, what unexpected
piquancy of mind she has.
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