“I have not, mamma, I assure you. He must have obtained some information—have heard that I had no money.”
But Madame Josserand cried out at this.
“And the dowry that your uncle is going to give you! Every one knows about that dowry. No, there is something else; he withdrew too abruptly. When dancing you passed into the parlour.”
Berthe became confused.
“Yes, mamma. And, as we were alone, he even tried to do some naughty things; he kissed me, seizing hold of me like that. Then I was frightened; I pushed him up against the furniture—”
Her mother, again overcome with rage, interrupted her.
“Pushed him up against the furniture, ah! the wretched girl pushed him up against the furniture!”
“But, mamma, he held me—”
“What of it? He held you, that was nothing! A fat lot of good it is sending such fools to school! Whatever did they teach you, eh?”
A rush of colour rose to the young girl’s cheeks and shoulders. Tears filled her eyes, whilst she looked as confused as a violated virgin.