"I do not accuse Bijou any more than I do Paul, grandmamma: and I should be all the less likely to accuse them, because I do not think that we are exactly free agents in such matters; yes, I know that you will be scandalised at my saying such a thing—I can see that very well. You think it is blasphemy, don't you? And yet, Heaven knows that the thoughts which come to me sometimes on this subject make me much more tolerant and indulgent towards others—"
M. de Clagny approached the two ladies just at this moment.
"What are you two plotting in this little corner?"
"Nothing," said Madame de Bracieux; "we were watching Bijou, who seems to be taming your young friend Bernès."
"Taming him? Whatever do you mean by that?" asked the count, turning round with a disturbed look on his face.
"Well, I mean just what everyone means when they make that remark! A week ago, when the young man dined here with us, he was like an icicle; well, I fancy that the thaw has set in."
"Oh!" exclaimed M. de Clagny, suddenly looking serene again; "I forgot that he has a love affair, and is so far gone that he fully intends to marry this lady-love; and, as you can imagine, his father is not delighted about it, by any means." And then, in an absent-minded way, he added, "I feel perfectly easy, as far as he is concerned!"
"Easy!" exclaimed Madame de Bracieux in astonishment "Why, easy! you would not like Bijou to marry M. de Bernès, then? Why not?"
"Well—she is so young," he stammered out, in a confused sort of way.
"How do you mean, so young? She is quite old enough to marry; she will be twenty-two in November, Bijou!"