And, without waiting for his reply, she passed her arm through the horticulturist's and led him some distance from the pavilion to the shore of the little pond in the centre of the lawn in front of the mansion.
"Why—I was going to the pavilion," stammered Monsieur Antoine.
"So I assume, as I found you at the door."
"I was going there—with kindly intentions; but——"
"Who doubts it? Not I certainly, my friend."
"Ah! at last you call me what I want you to call me! Very good, then you are willing to talk with me alone, I see—The same with me; I want to talk to you about an idea of mine——"
"Let us sit down on this bench, neighbor, and I will listen to you; but first you must listen to me, for I have a confession to make to you."
"Pshaw! pshaw! I know what your confession is; you plucked my lily, didn't you?"
"Ah! mon Dieu! how did you know it?"
"I overheard a few words and I guessed the rest. Why need you have broken the poor flower? Couldn't you have asked me for it? couldn't you wait till to-morrow? I intended to give it to you."