“Excessively.”
“To live well?”
“Above all things.”
“If I gave you twenty-five louis a month, would you refuse me?”
“Sir!”
“My dear Mademoiselle Oliva, now you are beginning to doubt me again, and it was agreed that you were to listen quietly. I will say fifty louis if you like.”
“I like fifty louis better than twenty-five, but what I like better than either is to be able to choose my own lover.”
“Morbleu! but I have already told you that I do not desire to be your lover. Set your mind at ease about that.”
“Then what am I to do to earn my fifty louis?”
“You must receive me at your house, and always be glad to see me. Walk out with me whenever I desire it, and come to me whenever I send for you.”