“And I made no objection,” said the young man with a laugh, as he looked at his cousin.
“But I did, then,” answered the girl abruptly, frowning and unabashed. “And I am glad of it. Had I married you, my handsome cousin, I should have drowned myself by this time!”
These words were said with so much unction that for a few moments the handsome cousin was silent and discomfited.
Clarisse was startled, and turned to her daughter-in-law with a timid look of appeal.
“Listen, Chariot,” said Rondic, anxious to change the conversation: “to prove to you that the Director is a good man. He has found a splendid place at Guérigny for you. You will have a better salary there than here, and “—here Rondic hesitated, glanced at the irresponsive face of the youth, then at his daughter and at his wife, as if at a loss to finish his phrase.
“And, it is better to go away, uncle, than to be dismissed!” answered Chariot, roughly. “But I do not agree with you. If the Director does not want me, let him say so,—and I will then look out for myself!”
“He is right!” cried Labassandre, thumping loud applause on the table. A hot discussion now arose; but Chariot was firm in his refusal.
Zénaïde did not open her lips, but she never took her eyes from her stepmother, who was busy about the table.
“And you, mamma,” said she at last, “is it not your opinion that Chariot should go to Guérigny?”
“Certainly, certainly,” answered Madame Rondic, quickly, “I think he ought to accept the offer.”