“You may ask her if you like, but I don’t think she will consent.”
The girl came back with the packet, and putting myself in a proper position I told her to try one on. She proceeded to do so with a sulky air and with a kind of repugnance which made me feel interested in her. Number one would not go on, so she had to try on a second, and the result was that I besprinkled her plentifully. The mistress laughed, but she was indignant, threw the whole packet in my face, and ran away in a rage. I wanted nothing more after this, so I put the packet in my pocket, gave the woman two Louis, and left the room. The girl I had treated so cavalierly came to light me downstairs, and thinking I owed her an apology I gave her a Louis and begged her pardon. The poor girl was astonished, kissed my hand, and begged me to say nothing to her mistress.
“I will not, my dear, but tell me truly whether you are still a ‘virgo intacta’.”
“Certainly, sir!”
“Wonderful! but tell me why you wouldn’t let me see for myself?”
“Because it revolted me.”
“Nevertheless you will have to do so, for otherwise, in spite of your prettiness, people will not know what to make of you. Would you like to let me try?”
“Yes, but not in this horrible house.”
“Where, then?”
“Go to my mother’s to-morrow, I will be there. Your guide knows where she lives.”