It was nothing but an accident, an accident pure and simple. On that particular evening
the princess' rooms were open, and as they appeared dark after the brilliantly lighted
parlors, Baron d'Etraille, who was tired of standing, inadvertently wandered into an
empty bedroom.
He looked round for a chair in which to have a doze, as he was sure his wife would not
leave before daylight. As soon as he became accustomed to the light of the room he
distinguished the big bed with its azure-and- gold hangings, in the middle of the great
room, looking like a catafalque in which love was buried, for the princess was no longer
young. Behind it, a large bright surface looked like a lake seen at a distance. It was a
large mirror, discreetly covered with dark drapery, that was very rarely let down, and
seemed to look at the bed, which was its accomplice. One might almost fancy that it had
reminiscences, and that one might see in it charming female forms and the gentle
movement of loving arms.
The baron stood still for a moment, smiling, almost experiencing an emotion on the
threshold of this chamber dedicated to love. But suddenly something appeared in the
looking-glass, as if the phantoms which he had evoked had risen up before him. A man
and a woman who had been sitting on a low couch concealed in the shadow had arisen,
and the polished surface, reflecting their figures, showed that they were kissing each
other before separating.
Baron d'Etraille recognized his wife and the Marquis de Cervigne. He turned and went
away like a man who is fully master of himself, and waited till it was day before taking
away the baroness; but he had no longer any thoughts of sleeping.
As soon as they were alone he said:
"Madame, I saw you just now in Princesse de Raynes' room; I need say no more, and I
am not fond either of reproaches, acts of violence, or of ridicule. As I wish to avoid all
such things, we shall separate without any scandal. Our lawyers will settle your position
according to my orders. You will be free to live as you please when you are no longer
under my roof; but, as you will continue to bear my name, I must warn you that should
any scandal arise I shall show myself inflexible."
She tried to speak, but he stopped her, bowed, and left the room.
He was more astonished and sad than unhappy. He had loved her dearly during the first
period of their married life; but his ardor had cooled, and now he often amused himself
elsewhere, either in a theatre or in society, though he always preserved a certain liking for
the baroness.
