Afterwards we both looked rather astonished, and it was the beautiful mother who first broke the silence.
“Am I to tell my girl,” said she, with a smile, “of the way in which you proved to me that you love her?”
“I leave that to your discretion, my dear,” said I. “I have certainly proved that I love you, but it does not follow that I do not adore your daughter. In fact, I burn for her; and yet, if we are not careful to avoid being alone together, what has just happened between us will often happen again.”
“It is hard to resist you, and it is possible that I may have occasion to speak to you again in private.”
“You may be sure you will always be welcome, and all I ask of you is not to put any obstacles in the way of my suit with Agatha.”
“I have also a favour to ask.”
“If it is within my power, you may be sure I will grant it.”
“Very good! Then tell me if these ear-rings are real, and what was your intention in putting them in my daughter’s ears?”
“The diamonds are perfectly genuine, and my intention was that Agatha should keep them as a proof of my affection.”
She heaved a sigh, and then told me that I might ask them to supper, with Dupre and his wife, whenever I pleased. I thanked her, gave her ten sequins, and sent her away happy.