The boy stepped forward, staggering as he went. He risked one more sarcasm:
“Oh, you must let me come and applaud you from time to time!”
“I shall never sing again, Raoul! …”
“Really?” he replied, still more satirically. “So he is taking you off the stage: I congratulate you! … But we shall meet in the Bois, one of these evenings!”
“Not in the Bois nor anywhere, Raoul: you shall not see me again …”
“May one ask at least to what darkness you are returning? … For what hell are you leaving, mysterious lady … or for what paradise?”
“I came to tell you, dear, but I can’t tell you now … you would not believe me! You have lost faith in me, Raoul; it is finished!”
She spoke in such a despairing voice that the lad began to feel remorse for his cruelty.
“But look here!” he cried. “Can’t you tell me