Is it admissible--is it proper to allow a woman of my age and a gentleman of yours to return from a ball, tete-a-tete, at two o'clock in the morning ?" "But," said Lucan, not without a certain gravity, "I am not a gentleman; I am your mother's husband." "Ah! that is true; of course, you are my mother's husband!" she said, emphasizing these words in a ringing voice, which caused Lucan to fear some explosion.
But, appearing to overcome a violent emotion, she went on in an almost cheerful tone: "Yes, you are my mother's husband; and what is more, you are, according to my notion, a very bad husband for my mother." "According to your notion!" said Lucan, quietly.

"And why so ?" "Because you are not at all suited to her." "Have you consulted your mother on that subject, my dear madam?
It seems to me that she must be a better judge of it than yourself." "I need not consult her.

It is enough to see you both together.

My mother is an angelic creature, whereas you;--no!" "What am I, then ?" "A romantic, restless man--the very reverse, in fact.

Sooner or later, you'll betray her." "Never!" said Lucan, somewhat sternly.
"Are you quite sure of that, sir ?" said Julia, riveting her gaze upon him from the depths of her hood.
"Dear madam," replied Monsieur de Lucan, "you were asking me, a moment since, to explain to you what was proper and what was improper; well, it is improper that we should take, you your mother, and I my wife, as the text for a jest of that kind, and consequently, it is proper that we should drop the subject." She hushed, remained motionless and closed her eyes.