“Yes, certainly, Monsieur Goefle; the recollection will always be joined to that of the greatest emotions of my life: my fear of the baron, and my joy at being delivered from him, by an effort of courage that I should not have believed myself capable of, and with which I was certainly inspired by your uncle and yourself.”
“But do you know,” said Cristiano, “I am not at all certain of your aversion for the baron?”
“Why not?”
“You are assuredly much more frightened about dancing in public than you were about dancing with him.”
“Yet I did not dance with him, and I am going to dance with you!”
Cristiano involuntarily pressed Margaret’s small fingers; but she thought this merely an intimation that it was time for her to take her place, and, all rosy with pleasure and bashfulness, she stepped forward with him into the joyous circle, where she very quickly found herself entirely at her ease, as her grace and lightness entitled her to be.
“Well, I believe I am not afraid any more,” she said, as they returned to their place, while the other four began the first figure.
“You are a great deal too courageous,” replied Cristiano; “I hoped I should have been of some service, but you have learned so fast how to use your wings, that now you will be flying off with the first comer.”
“It will never be with the baron, though! But tell me why it was that you thought I exaggerated my dislike for him?”
“Mon Dieu! I see that you are passionately fond of balls—that is, of entertainments and luxury; and every passion is followed by certain consequences. Now, if pleasure is the object, wealth is the means of securing it.”