w； I drew the curtain over it； leaving only an opening through which I could take observations； then I closed the casement； all but a chink just wide enough to furnish an outlet to lovers’ whispered vows： then I stole back to my chair； and as I resumed it the pair came in。 My eye was quickly at the aperture。 Céline’s chamber…maid entered； lit a lamp； left it on the table； and withdrew。 The couple were thus revealed to me clearly： both removed their cloaks； and there was ‘the Varens；’ shining in satin and jewels；—my gifts of course；—and there was her panion in an officer’s uniform； and I knew him for a young roue of a vite—a brainless and vicious youth whom I had sometimes met in society； and had never thought of hating because I despised him so absolutely。 On recognising him； the fang of the snake Jealousy was instantly broken； because at the same moment my love for Céline sank under an extinguisher。 A woman who could betray me for such a rival was not worth contending for； she deserved only scorn； less； however； than I； who had been her dupe。
“They began to talk； their conversation eased me pletely： frivolous； mercenary； heartless； and senseless； it was rather calculated to weary than enrage a listener。 A card of mine lay on the table； this being perceived； brought my name under discussion。 Neither of them possessed energy or wit to belabour me soundly； but they insulted me as coarsely as they could in their little way： especially Céline； who even waxed rather brilliant on my personal defects—deformities she termed them。 Now it had been her custom to launch out into fervent admiration of what she called my ‘beauté male：’ wherein she differed diametrically from you； who told me point…blank； at the second interview； that you did not think me handsome。 The contrast