Curious! I had certainly deemed Madame in her bed, and Désirée in her crib, at this blessed minute, sleeping, both of them, the sleep of the just, within the sacred walls, amidst the profound seclusion of the Rue Fossette . Most certainly also they did not picture “Meess Lucie” otherwise engaged; and here we all three were taking our ébats 238 in the fête-blazing park at midnight!

The fact was, Madame was only acting according to her quite justifiable wont. I remembered now I had heard it said among the teachers⁠—though without at the time particularly noticing the gossip⁠—that often, when we thought Madame in her chamber, sleeping, she was gone, full-dressed, to take her pleasure at operas, or plays, or balls. Madame had no sort of taste for a monastic life, and took care⁠—largely, though discreetly⁠—to season her existence with a relish of the world.