took a fashion journal which was lying on the dressing-table, and sat down on a sort of plush- covered stool. He asked:

" Is there a rebus in this number? "

" Yes, I think there is a rebus."

" Have you guessed it? "

" No, I have not guessed it."

" Ah ! ah ! let's have a look at it."

While Monsieur, with wrinkled brow, was ab- sorbed in the study of the rebus, Madame said, a little dryly:

"Robert?"

"My darling."

' ' Then you notice nothing ? ' '

"No. What ? In this rebus ? ' '

She shrugged her shoulders, and pursed up her lips.

" It is not a question of the rebus. Then you notice nothing? Well, you never notice anything."

Monsieur surveyed the room from carpet to ceil- ing, from dressing-table to door, with an annoyed and a very round look, which was excessively comical.

' ' No, indeed ! What is it ? Is there anjrthing new here, then, that I have not noticed ? I see nothing, upon my word."

Madame became very sad, and she groaned:

" Robert, you no longer love me."

"What! I no longer love you! Indeed, that is putting it a little too st