"Would think it very original, and, as she has a joyous temperament, she might laugh immoderately. But she likes originality, and the very oddity of the discourse might impress her deeply. Then, too, she is very sympathetic, and she would probably be touched by the necessity which compelled you to employ such an extraordinary mode of expression."
"Ah, if that were only true!"
"I think it is true."
"Thank you! thank you!"
Madeleine was opening a skein of silk, and, extending it to M. de Bois, she said: "Will you assist me? It is for Bertha I am working. Will you hold this skein? It will save time."
Gaston, well pleased, stretched out his hands. Madeleine adjusted the skein, and commenced winding.
"Besides, who knows?" she went on to say. "It seems to me very possible that the very singularity of such an address might captivate her, and give you a decided advantage over lovers who pressed their suit in hackneyed, stereotyped phrases."
"You think so?"
"I should not be surprised if such were the case, because Bertha has a decided touch of eccentricity in her character."