And then one day old di Rocco asked for her hand.
M. de France was not so surprised as sarcastic. He knew all about the Count and his supposed reformation.
“You would do a final act of atonement, monsignore,” said he, “and dower a penniless girl?”
“I would do more,” answered the Count. “I would burn those bits of paper of yours.”
The Chevalier’s eyes glittered, but his face remained like hard ivory.
“Pardon me,” he said, “there is a difference in your ages.”
“Ah! monsieur, it would be obliterated when the rivulet mingled with the river.”
“You have lived fast.”
“The sooner to reach my redemption.”
“You are out of favour with the Court.”