"I will tell you if you like."
"Yes, I should like; but not now, because I am keeping some one waiting in the dairy."
"Who is waiting for you?" he asked anxiously.
"The dairy-maid," answered Bijou, without noticing his anxiety.
"Oh! go at once, then, if that is the case," said M. de Rueille sarcastically. "I should not like the dairy-maid to be kept waiting on my account."
"You should come and see the cheeses," proposed Denyse.
"That must certainly be very festive; no, really, are you not afraid that I should find that too exciting, Bijou, my dear?"
"You would find it as exciting, anyhow, as going to bed, and reading over again some old book that you must know by heart. Oh, you know it by heart, I am sure! There is nothing in the library but the classics, or a lot of old-fashioned things; ever since I have come no new books are put in the library, either in the Paris house or here at Bracieux. Grandmamma is so afraid that I should get hold of them; but she is quite mistaken, for I should never open a book that I had been told not to open—never!"
"Grandmamma is afraid of your doing what any other girl would do; you are such an astonishing exception, Bijou!"
"Yes, I am an exception—an angel, anything you like; but either come with me, or let me go, if you please! I don't like to keep people waiting."