CHAPTER XX
My Adventures at Aix—My Second M. M.—Madame Zeroli
This man, who, though he did not know me, put the utmost confidence in me, so far from thinking he was horrifying me by the confession of such wickedness, probably considered he was doing me a great honour. While I listened to him I reflected that though depraved he might have his good points, and that his weakness might have a pitiable if not a pardonable side. However, wishing to know more of him, I said,—
“In spite of your father’s sternness, you live very well.”
“On the contrary, I live very ill. I enjoy a pension from the Government, which I surrender to my wife, and as for me I make a livelihood on my travels. I play black gammon and most other games perfectly. I win more often than I lose, and I live on my winnings.”
“But is what you have told me about your daughter known to the visitors here?”
“Everybody knows it; why should I hide it? I am a man of honour and injure no one; and, besides, my sword is sharp.”
“Quite so; but would you tell me whether you allow your daughter to have a lover?”
“I should have no objection, but my wife is religious.”
“Is your daughter pretty?”