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210 THE CONFESSION OF A FOOL
Her friend gave a luncheon for the secret purpose of
beguiling on this occasion a well-known actor into making
her a proposal of marriage. A fresh revelation awaited
me, a revelation which effectually roused me from my
lethargy.
Champagne had been drunk, and the ladies had taken
more than was good for them. Marie was reclining in
an arm-chair, and before her knelt her friend, kissing her
on the lips. The famous actor, interested in the strange
spectacle, called to one of his friends, and pointing at
the couple as if he were bringing proof of an accusation,
exclaimed
—
"Look here! D’you see?
"
Doubtless he was alluding to certain rumours, and there
was a hidden meaning in the laughing words.
As soon as we arrived home, I implored Marie to shake
off this fatal infatuation and be more careful of her
reputation. She made no secret of the pleasure she
found in kissing pretty women ; her friend was not the
only one of her colleagues whom she treated in this way ;
at the theatre, in the dressing-rooms she bestowed the
same favour on others.
She had no intention of denying herself this pleasure,
this innocent pleasure, which in my perverted imagination
only was vicious.
It was impossible to make her see her conduct in a
different light ; there was but one remedy. . . .
She was again going to be a mother ; tliis time she was
furious, but her condition kept her at home for a time.
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