"Ah! and what have you against him?"
"Why, nothing, grandmamma, nothing at all! I think he is just like everyone else, and so when I see him I can't go into ecstasies over him—that's all."
"I fancy," remarked M. de Rueille, "that the man isn't born yet about whom you would go into ecstasies. You are very good-hearted, very indulgent. You look upon everyone as all very well in a negative sort of way, but, practically, it is quite another matter."
"Oh, you exaggerate!"
"I exaggerate? Well, then, just mention one man, one only, who is according to your fancy."
"Why, M. de Clagny, for instance!"
"You think he is nice; you like him?" said the marchioness. "Yes, but how? You would not marry him, I presume?"
"Oh, no!" answered Bijou, laughing, "I don't want to marry him."
Just as they were all leaving the table, Jean de Blaye asked:
"Has anyone any commissions for Pont-sur-Loire?"