“That is good. Have you any money, Philip?” asked the old noble.
“Yes, if you want some; but if you want to offer me it, I should say that I have enough as it is.”
“Of course, I forgot you were a philosopher,” sneered the baron. “Are you a philosopher, too, my girl, or do you need something?”
“I should not like to distress you, father.”
“Oh, luck has changed since we left Taverney. The King has given me five hundred louis—on account, his Majesty said. Think of your wardrobe, child.”
“Oh, thank you, papa,” said Andrea, joyously.
“Oho, going to the other extreme now! A while ago, you wanted for nothing—now you would ruin the Emperor of China. Never mind, for fine dresses become you, darling.”
With a tender kiss, he opened the door leading into his own room, and disappeared, saying:
“Confound that Nicole for not being in to show me a light!”