"Thirty-eight years older than she is; it is for me that this difference of age is more to be feared. Yes, I know that, and I am willing to accept all the risks of such a disproportion."
"And she?"
"She? Well, let her decide for or against me. She is twenty-one; she is no longer a child, and she knows what she is about."
"Yes; but that does not prevent me from having a certain amount of responsibility, and—"
"Ah, you see; you are afraid that she may consent!"
"Afraid? oh, dear, no! I am quite convinced that such an ideal little creature has, about the man she dreams of for her husband, a vision of someone quite different from you."
"And, supposing, by chance—I do not expect this at all—but, supposing you were mistaken, what should you do?"
"What do you want me to do?"
"Nothing at all. And it is just this—I am afraid that you would use your influence with Bijou."
"No; I shall just tell her what I think; I ought to, under the circumstances—but nothing more."