--
And does the difference of the time of the day at Paris make a
difference in the sin?--It made a difference, he said, in the
scandal.--I like a good distinction in my heart; and cannot say I
was intolerably out of temper with the man.--I own it is necessary,
resumed the master of the hotel, that a stranger at Paris should
have the opportunities presented to him of buying lace and silk
stockings and ruffles, et tout cela;--and 'tis nothing if a woman
comes with a band-box.--O, my conscience! said I, she had one but I
never look'd into it.--Then Monsieur, said he, has bought nothing?-
-Not one earthly thing, replied I.--Because, said he, I could
recommend one to you who would use you en conscience.--But I must
see her this night, said I.--He made me a low bow, and walk'd down.
Now shall I triumph over this maitre d'hotel, cried I,--and what
then? Then I shall let him see I know he is a dirty fellow.--And
what then? What then?--I was too near myself to say it was for the
sake of others.--I had no good answer left;--there was more of
spleen than principle in my project, and I was sick of it before
the execution.
In a few minutes the grisette came in with her box of lace.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133