"I feel some hesitation in pursuing; for however false and unjust first impressions may be, they are exceedingly tenacious—and you judged Mademoiselle Ramon so severely—"
"Red-nose! Say rather that I was very indulgent!"
"You will overcome these prejudices, I am sure. Believe me,
Mademoiselle Ramon is one of those persons who improve on better
acquaintance. She is a woman of firm character and exemplary virtues.
What more can be desired in the mother of a family?"
"The mother of a family!" gasped Louis, who until now had not suspected the danger that threatened him, but was beginning to conceive a vague fear. "The mother of a family!" he repeated in dismay, "and what matters it to me whether Mademoiselle Ramon is or is not fitted to become a good mother?"
"It matters more to you than to anyone else."
"To me?"
"Certainly."
"And why, pray?"
"Because my most cherished, and only desire is, to see you marry
Mademoiselle Ramon," declared the old man, resolutely.
"Marry—Mademoiselle Ramon!" cried Louis, aghast, shrinking back in his chair as if the red-nosed spinster had suddenly appeared before him. "I—marry?—"