Certain that his wife would not wish to leave before dawn, he was looking for somewhere he could lounge and doze till then. From the doorway, he made out a wide bed of azure gilded with flowers, which, standing as it did in the middle of the room, suggested to him a catafalque where love might lie entombed. The Princess was no longer young. Behind this, a large patch of light gave the impression of a lake viewed from some high window. It was a vast yet discreet mirror with dark hangings which could either be closed or, as was more likely, left open. The mirror cast a conspiratorial eye over the bed. Like a castle haunted by the ghosts of the dead, it too might contain memories and regrets. Across its blank and empty face one could easily imagine the lovely shapes of women’s naked thighs and the gentle movements of their entwining arms.

The Baron stood at the threshold, smiling a little wistfully at the sight of this chamber of love. All at once, as though the ghosts just imagined had suddenly risen up before him, something appeared in the mirror. A man and woman, seated on a low divan hidden in the shadows, were rising to their feet. The polished crystal reflected their image as they stood kissing each other on the lips, then separating.

The Baron recognized his wife and the Marquis de Cervigné. With strong, manly self-control, he turned on his heel and left. He waited for daybreak to come and, with it, the Baroness. Sleep was no longer on his mind.

As soon as he was alone with her, he said: ‘Madame, I saw you earlier in the Princesse de Raynes’ chamber. I need say no more. I have no wish to be reproachful, or violent, or ridiculous. To avoid all that, we shall quietly separate. The solicitors will follow my orders regarding your future situation. Since you will no longer be under my roof you are free to live as you choose. However, since you will continue to bear my name, if ever any hint of scandal is attached to it, I shall be forced to take sterner measures.’

She tried to speak but he stopped her, bowed, and returned home.