"Unfortunately, he got it for me without my asking him, and he asked me
to go with him; you know well enough that I couldn't refuse. All I could
do was to write and tell you where I was going, so that you could see
me, and because I wanted to see you myself; but since this is the way
you thank me, I shall profit by the lesson."
"I was wrong; forgive me."
"Well and good; and now go back nicely to your place, and, above all, no
more jealousy."
She kissed me again, and I left the box. In the passage I met the count
coming back. I returned to my seat.
After all, the presence of M. de G. in Marguerite's box was the most
natural thing in the world. He had been her lover, he sent her a box, he
accompanied her to the theatre; it was all quite natural, and if I was
to have a mistress like Marguerite I should have to get used to her
ways.
Nonetheless, I was very unhappy all the rest of the evening, and went
away very sadly after having seen Prudence, the count, and Marguerite
get into the carriage, which was waiting for them at the door.
However, a quarter of an hour later I was at Prudence's. She had only
just got in.