At this moment Marcel, who had been listening with his ear against the door, came in.
Beaupaire came up and shook hands with him.
"My boy, I could not wish for a better man for a son-in-law."
"And I could not wish for a better lady for a wife than Violette," replied Marcel, his courage rising to undreamed-of heights.
"Take her, my boy, and if she loves you, as I have no doubt she does, you will be a very happy man."
Violette blushed up to the roots of her hair, and Marcel took her by the hand and asked her forgiveness.
"Well," she answered, laughing, "we are quits now."
"No, dear," replied Marcel, giving her a kiss on both cheeks, "not quits but one."
"Do you really love me, George?" she enquired, looking up into his face.