human
No sooner said than done; we left the ball-room, jumped into the brougham, and in a few minutes we were ... in a _cabinet particulier_. The Count had a little sardonic, triumphant expression, that made me feel a little uneasy, but what was to be done? I tried to look as dignified as possible, when the waiter came in to receive his orders. With his wife, a man does not commit great extravagances: the Count ordered oysters, a lobster salad, some cold chicken, ices, and a bottle of iced champagne. I had never seen my husband so gay, so bright, so witty.... Oh! how lovely it is to be adored by one's husband!... At dessert the Count became somewhat enterprising ... I mean very enterprising! Fortunately the waiter came in....
gpt
Without knocking?
human
Without knocking; they are accustomed to it.... They see such things, you know.
gpt
It must be high fun for them.
human
Not at all ... habit, you see ... they would much rather be in bed, I can assure you. Well, as I was telling you, the waiter came in for my husband's orders. 'Waiter,' said he, 'you can go now. Bring some coffee ... when I ring.' The waiter bowed and retired. You should have seen with what ease the Count gave him this order.... Oh! you know, it was easy to see he had had ... a little experience ... it was not the first time he had supped in a _cabinet particulier_.
gpt
How can you suppose such things?
human
How can I? (_kissing her._) Dear child, how refreshing you are! However, what is perfectly certain is that, although rather light-headed with the two glasses of champagne that the Count had poured out for me, I saw quite clearly that he was locking the door.
gpt
Oh! I should have screamed.
human
I had a great mind to; but what was the good? No law protects a woman from her husband; you know that. We have no Woman's Protection Society in France yet; _you_ have, you see.... I had risen indeed, but the Count had seized me in his arms.... By the way, don't you think there is something curiously fascinating in the idea of a woman in the strong arms of the man she loves and who adores her ... as they stand, she helpless, almost _perdue_ ... _perdue_ in the arms of your husband, it is not dangerous ... _on se retrouve_, you know ... he, holding her up, and gazing into her face with eyes that seem to devour her....
gpt
Don't talk about it.
human
Then....
gpt
Call the waiter, and let us have the coffee, my dear Comtesse: it is high time.
human
I will do something better than that: I will give you a cup of tea ... _à l'anglaise_.