“You would confer a real kindness on me if you would both accept a seat in my chaise; it holds four persons, and there is plenty of room.”
“It is a good fortune which we were far from expecting”
“Not at all, uncle; I will not go with this gentleman.”
“Why not, my dear niece?”
“Because I will not.”
“Such is the way,” I remarked, without looking at her, “that sincerity is generally rewarded.”
“Sincerity, sir! nothing of the sort,” she exclaimed, angrily, “it is sheer wickedness. There can be no true black eyes now for you in the world, but, as you like them, I am very glad of it.”
“You are mistaken, lovely Christine, for I have the means of ascertaining the truth.”
“What means?”
“Only to wash the eyes with a little lukewarm rose-water; or if the lady cries, the artificial colour is certain to be washed off.”