"Sit down here, child; you will catch cold near the window."
Duroy was seized with a wild longing to kiss the child. It was as though some part of the kiss would reach the mother.
He asked in a gallant, and at the same time fatherly, tone: "Will you allow me to kiss you, Mademoiselle?"
The child looked up at him in surprise.
"Answer, my dear," said Madame de Marelle, laughingly.
"Yes, sir, this time; but it will not do always."
Duroy, sitting down, lifted Laurine onto his knees and brushed the fine curly hair above her forehead with his lips.
Her mother was surprised. "What! she has not run away; it is astounding. Usually she will only let ladies kiss her. You are irresistible, Monsieur Duroy."
He blushed without answering, and gently jogged the little girl on his knee.
Madame Forestier drew near, and exclaimed, with astonishment: "What, Laurine tamed! What a miracle!"