“‘That is not enough,’ he said.
“Then M. Van Klopen’s propositions came back to my mind, and I stated them to him.
“‘Just the thing!’ he exclaimed, starting upon his chair: ‘a manifest proof that luck is with us. You must accept.’
“I felt bound to tell him my objections, which reflection had much increased.
“‘I know but too well,’ I said, ‘what must happen if I accept this odious duty. Before I have been four times to the Bois, I shall be noticed, and every one will imagine that they know for what purpose I come there. I shall be assailed with vile offers. True, I have no fears for myself. I shall always be better guarded by my pride than by the most watchful of parents. But my reputation will be lost.’
“I failed to convince him.
“‘I know very well that you are an honest girl,’ he said to me; ‘but, for that very reason, what do you care what all these people will think, whom you do not know? Your future is at stake. I repeat it, you must accept.’
“‘If you command me to do so,’ I said.
“‘Yes, I command you; and I’ll explain to you why.’”
For the first time, Mlle. Lucienne manifested some reticence, and omitted to repeat the explanations of the peace-officer. And, after a few moments’ pause,