If Noel doesn't leave me, I shall be obliged to
leave him. I am tired of having a lover who is ashamed of me and who
despises me."
"If he despises you, my pretty lady, he scarcely shows it here," replied
old Tabaret, casting a significant glance about the room.
"You mean," said she rising, "that he spends a great deal of money on
me. It's true. He pretends that he has ruined himself on my account;
it's very possible. But what's that to me! I am not a grabbing
woman; and I would much have preferred less money and more regard. My
extravagance has been inspired by anger and want of occupation. M. Gerdy
treats me like a mercenary woman; and so I act like one. We are quits."
"You know very well that he worships you."
"He? I tell you he is ashamed of me. He hides me as though I were some
horrible disease. You are the first of his friends to whom I have ever
spoken. Ask him how often he takes me out. One would think that my
presence dishonoured him. Why, no longer ago than last Tuesday, we went
to the theatre! He hired an entire box. But do you think that he sat
in it with me? Not at all. He slipped away and I saw no more of him the
whole evening.
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