"Yes," retrospectively. "Why do people take likes the wrong way? Now if M. Boullé had——"
"It is said he was wild for love of you," interposed Thérèse.
"That made the trouble. Miladi liked him so much. Thérèse, there is some kind of love we must have before you can put yourself in a man's hand, and let him take you to his home, where you must remain while life lasts. A whole long life, think of it! And if you wanted to get free the priest would forbid it. There would be nothing but to throw yourself into the river."
Thérèse looked with frightened eyes at the impetuous girl.
"There is God to obey and serve. And if He sends you a good husband—M. Boullé was brother to our dear Sieur's wife. It would have been an excellent marriage."
"If it hadst only been thou!" Rose's short-lived passion was over, and she was smiling.
"But you see, Mam'selle, they are strong Catholics. I follow my mother's faith, and we do not believe telling beads and saying prayers is all of the true service to the Lord. So it would never have done."
Rose was minded to laugh at the grave, satisfied tone, and the placid face.
"I am not a good Catholic, either. I do not go to confession. I do not tell lies nor steal, and though I get in tempers, it is because people try me and insist that I should do what I know it would be wrong for me to do. I did not want any husband, and I said so."
"But all girls hope to marry some time. I should like to have as good a husband as my mother has, and be as happy with him."