I returned to the dressing-room, where I found the mother alone, and without any ceremony spoke as follows:—
“Good evening, madam, I am a stranger here; I am only staying a week, and I am in love with your daughter. If you like to be obliging, bring her to sup with me. I will give you a hundred sequins each time, so you see my purse is in your power.”
“Whom do you think you are talking to, sir? I am astonished at your impudence. Ask the townsfolk what sort of character I bear, and whether my daughter is an honest girl or not! and you will not make such proposals again.”
“Good-bye, madam.”
“Good-bye, sir.”
As I went out I met Redegonde, and I told her word for word the conversation I had had with her mother. She burst out laughing.
“Have I done well or ill?” said I.
“Well enough, but if you love me come and see me.”
“See you after what your mother said?”
“Well, why not, who knows of it?”