"You are mistaken, monsieur," replied this incomparable parent, gravely. "In the first place, Mlle. de Senneterre has been reared in habits of respect and submission from which I feel sure she will never depart. Besides, she knows that she is poor, and that she would never be likely to attain another position to be compared with that you offer her."
"But again let me remind you that I am old and ugly and a hunchback besides."
"M. le marquis, my daughters have been brought up in such a way that they would not dare to so much as look at the husband I select for them until the marriage ceremony is over."
"A pleasant surprise you would give the poor child that married me!"
"I repeat, M. le marquis, that my daughters have not those lewd imaginations that are capable only of a carnal appreciation of a husband. If I tell my daughter my wishes, that will suffice."
"I am strongly inclined to tell this heartless, unscrupulous woman what I think of her," the hunchback said to himself; "but what should I gain by it? She is an egregious fool, and there is nothing for me to do but answer the fool according to her folly."
So seeing that Madame de Senneterre was awaiting his reply with keen anxiety, the marquis said:
"You said a few minutes ago, and very sensibly, I think, that one should no more speak lightly of rank than of religion, did you not?"
"Yes, M. le marquis."
"You will admit, too, probably, that it is equally wrong to treat marriage lightly."