“Do you know that you are designated by them by an absurd title—that they call you in ridicule ‘Le Monsieur de la petite Dame?’ Do you know that?”
His look was incomprehensible, but he bowed gravely.
“Madame,” he answered, “since others have heard the title so often, it is but natural that I myself should have heard it more than once.”
She regarded him in angry amazement. She was even roused to rapping upon the floor with her gold-headed cane.
“Does it not affect you?” she cried. “Does it not move you to indignation?”
“That, Madame,” he replied, “can only be my affair. My friends will allow me my emotions at least.”
Then she left her chair and began to walk up and down, striking the carpet hard with her cane at every step.
“You are a strange man,” she remarked.
Suddenly, however, when just on the point of starting upon a fresh tour, she wheeled about and addressed him sharply.
“I respect you,” she said; “and because I respect you, I will do you a good turn.”