The minuets over, the square dances began, and I thought I was dreaming when I saw Armelline and the Florentine taking their places.
I came up to congratulate them, and asked Armelline, gently, if she was sure of the steps.
"This gentleman says I have only to imitate him, and that I cannot possibly make any mistakes."
I had nothing to say to this, so I went towards Scholastica, feeling very curious to know who was her companion.
As soon as she saw me she introduced me to him, saying timidly that this was the nephew of whom she had spoken, the same that wished to marry her.
I was surprised, but I did not let it appear. I told him that the superioress had spoken of him to me, and that I was thinking over the ways and means of obtaining a dispensation without any costs.
He was an honest-looking man, and thanked me heartily, commending himself to my good offices, as he said he was far from rich.
I left them together, and on turning to view the dance I was astonished to see that Armelline was dancing admirably, and executing all the figures. The Florentine seemed a finished dancer, and they both looked very happy.
I was far from pleased, but I congratulated them both on their performance. The Florentine had disguised himself so admirably that no one would have taken him for a man. It was the Marchioness d'Aout who had been his dresser.
As I was too jealous to leave Armelline to her own devices, I refused to dance, preferring to watch her.