“You seem to have no luck. Never before have the inhabitants of Ars shown themselves so turbulent. Generally they are quite peaceable and harmless creatures. If they have any claims to make they do it with moderation and politeness, sure, in advance, of obtaining what they want. I do not know what madness has come over them!”
Madame Vignola smiled.
“Doubtless they have listened to bad counsel and advice. But that is of little importance. The main thing is that you are not exposed to the violence of these madmen. When I heard them last night shouting out their threats of death I trembled.”
“Then you do take a certain amount of interest in me?”
“Can you ask me such a question?”
Passionately he seized hold of a dainty hand, which she made no attempt to withdraw.
“Well, now, listen, Anetta. I cannot understand how I have been able to find any joy in life before I knew you. I seem to myself only to have been alive the last month.”
Graciously raising her hand with threatening gesture, she said—
“Not another word! I know you have been anything but perfect. Don’t try to deceive me like all the others you have said you were in love with.”
“Oh! I have never been in love before. That I understand well enough now!”