This was said with so much warmth and gentleness, that Madame Roger and the Colonel exchanged softened looks; the young ladies were also moved, as much as pastry can be, and they all fixed upon Maurice their little black eyes, which had suddenly become so soft and tender that Amedee did not doubt but that they all had a sentimental feeling for Maurice, and thought him very fortunate to have the choice between three such pretty pieces for dessert.

How all loved this charming and graceful Maurice, and how well he knew how to make himself beloved!

Later, when they served the champagne, he arose, glass in hand, and delivered a burlesque toast, finding some pleasant word for all his guests.  What frank gayety! what a hearty laugh went around the table!  The three young ladies giggled themselves as red as peonies.  A sort of joyous chuckle escaped from the Colonel’s drooping moustache.  Madame Roger’s smile seemed to make her grow young; and Amedee noticed, in a corner of the dining-room, the pretty maid, who restrained herself no more than the others; and when she showed her teeth, that were like a young puppy’s, she was charming indeed.

After the tea the Colonel, who lived at some distance, near the Military School, and who, as the weather was fine, wished to walk home and avoid the expense of a cab, left with his three marriageable daughters, and Amedee in his turn took his departure.

In the ante-chamber, the maid said to Maurice, as she helped him on with his topcoat.

“I hope that you will not come in very late this evening, Monsieur Maurice.”

“What is that, Suzanne?” replied the young man, without anger, but a trifle impatiently.  “I shall return at the hour that pleases me.”

As he descended the stairs ahead of Amedee, he said, with a laugh

“Upon my word! she will soon make her jealousy public.”

“What!” exclaimed Amedee, glad that his companion could not see his blushes.

“Well, yes!  Is she not pretty?  I admit it, Violette; I have not, like you, the artlessness of the flower whose name you bear.  You will have to resign yourself to it; you have a very bad fellow for a friend.  As to the rest, be content.  I have resolved to scandalize the family roof no longer.  I have finished with this bold-faced creature.  You must know that she began it, and was the first to kiss me on the sly.  Now, I am engaged elsewhere.  Here we are outside, and here is a carriage.  Here, driver!  You will allow me to bid you adieu.  It is only a quarter past ten.  I still have time to appear at Bullier’s and meet Zoe Mirilton.  Until tomorrow, Violette.”

Amedee returned home very much troubled.  So, then, his friend was a libertine.  But he made excuses for him.  Had he not just seen him so charming to his mother and so respectful to the three young ladies?  Maurice had allowed himself to be carried away by his youthful impetuosity, that was all!  Was it for him, still pure, but tormented by the temptations and curiosity of youth, to be severe?  Would he not have done as much had he dared, or if he had had the money in his pocket?  To tell the truth, Amedee dreamed that very night of the pretty maid with the suspicion of a moustache.