"That is possible," said Monsieur Joseph, gently.
"Well, it is a pity," said the Prefect. "If you accept the new régime at all, you should do it loyally."
"My cousin has a son fighting in Spain. That ought to be placed to his credit."
"And no doubt it is. His daughter, too, may do something. There is only one grown up, and she has not been brought much into society—her father's fault, they say; he has ideas of his own about marrying her. But I am telling you what you know already?"
"Not at all, monsieur. I have heard nothing of it. When my cousins live at Lancilly, the family councils may include me; so far they have not done so. I did not even realise that Mademoiselle Hélène was old enough to be married. And what match is arranged for her?"
"None that I know of. Her father's action has been negative, not positive, I understand. He has simply refused to consider one or two suggested marriages, either of which would have been good politically."
"Reasons of birth, I suppose," said Monsieur Joseph. "He has my cordial sympathy."
The Prefect coughed; the General scraped his chair; Angelot nearly laughed aloud.
"You will find it very agreeable to have your cousins at Lancilly," the Prefect said, looking at him kindly.
"I don't know, monsieur," Angelot answered. "Young girls are hardly companions for me."