Chapter 21 A LONGING

MONSIEUR and MADAME are quietly sitting together-The clock has just

struck ten-MONSIEUR is in his dressing-gown and slippers, is

leaning back in an armchair and reading the newspaper-MADAME is

carelessly working squares of laces.

Madame-Such things have taken place, have they not, dear?

Monsieur-(without raising his eyes)-Yes, my dea