I addressed myself to Armelline, and observed smilingly that she knew perfectly well that she must be home by half-past twelve at latest.
“True,” she replied, “but you can do as you please.”
I replied somewhat sadly that I did not feel myself at liberty to break my word, but that she could make me do even that if she chose.
Thereupon the marchioness, her husband, the abbe, and the Florentine, urged her to use her power to make me break my supposed word, and Armelline actually began to presume to do so.
I was bursting with rage; but making up my mind to do anything rather than appear jealous, I said simply that I would gladly consent if her friend would consent also.
“Very well,” said she, with a pleased air that cut me to the quick, “go and ask her.”
That was enough for me. I went to Scholastica and told her the circumstances in the presence of her lover, begging her to refuse without compromising me.
Her lover said I was perfectly right, but Scholastica required no persuasion, telling me that she had quite made up her mind not to sup with anyone.
She came with me, and I told her to speak to Armelline apart before saying anything to the others.
I led Scholastica before the marchioness, bewailing my want of success.