" she
cried, gaily.

"The harm done is not very great," he replied; and he began diligently
brushing up the fragments of the vial. It was his way of gaining time,
but he did it so awkwardly that she snatched the brush from his hands:
"This is the way to sweep," said she.

He watched her, saying to himself: "This is the reverse of the scene at
Churwalden. It is now I who wear a long face, and she cannot dissemble
her joy. Just requital of things here below."

So soon as she had finished her brushing she looked around and remarked:
"Well, here you are once more in your paradise--this enchanted spot,
where you taste such ineffable delights."

"Oh, yes, I am happy here--happy enough that is," he replied, with
modesty.

"Fastidious creature! It is altogether charming in your laboratory."

"Yes, it is suitable. Nevertheless, I often reflect that there is
something wanting. Do you know what my dream is? I should like to
have over in yonder corner a transparent _chapelle_. You, perhaps, are
unacquainted with a _chapelle_. It is a framework or basket-funnel above
a chimney, for facilitating the release of volatiles and pernicious
vapours, and having one side of glass. It enables the chemist to watch
the process taking place within. German chemists have nearly always
transparent _chapelles_ in their laboratories."

"How can any one accuse you of lack of imagination?" she exclaimed. "You
are a very romantic man, and your romance is a transparent _chapelle_.
Now I know why you are so indulgent to the romances of others."

Then carelessly drawing the brush in her hand over an arm-chair, she
seated herself in it, placed another seat facing her, and said: "Come,
sit down here near me on this stool; I will put a cushion on it to make
you more comfortable. Come, I must talk with you."

He drew near, seated himself, and put his ear towards her. "Must I take
off my apron?" he asked.

"Why so?"

"I foresee that our conversation will revolve about matters pertaining
to the height of romance. I wish to make a suitable appearance."

"Nonsense! your apron is very becoming. All that I desire and stipulate
is, that you will accord me most religious attention."

She then proceeded to recount to him, point by point, all that had
occurred at Mme. de Lorcy's. She began her recital in a tranquil tone;
she grew animated; she warmed up by degrees; her eyes sparkled. He
listened to her with deep chagrin; but he gazed on her with pride as