Marcel bent his head:
—You are a girl of sense, and that is why I can behave to you as one cannot usually with a … common housekeeper. I am sure that you understand me. Then, after a moment's hesitation:
—Twice already I have flown into a passion with you, Veronica; it is a serious fault, and I hope you will consent to forgive it.
—Do not speak of that, Monsieur le Curé, I deserved everything that you have said to me. It is for me to ask your pardon for not behaving properly towards you.
—I acknowledge all that you do in my interest: I know how to appreciate all your good qualities, so I pardon you freely.
—Monsieur le Curé is too good.
—No, I am not too good. For if I were so, I should have behaved differently towards you. But you know, there is always a little germ of ingratitude at the bottom of a man's heart. After all, I have considered, and I believe that with a little good will on one side and on the other, we can come to an understanding.
—Yes, I am easy to accommodate.
—Let us save appearances, that is essential.
—You are talking to me like Monsieur Fortin. That suits me. No one could ever reproach me for setting a bad example.