—To get married? Oh, upon my word, if I had wanted to do so, I should not have waited until now.
—I believe you, Veronica. You could have done very well before now. But you may have changed your ideas. Our characters, our tastes change with time, and a thing displeases us to-day, which will please us to-morrow. There are often, it is true, certain considerations which stop us and make us reflect. Perhaps you have not a round enough sum. With a little money, at your age, you could still make an excellent match.
—And even without money, Monsieur le Curé. If I were willing, somebody has been pestering me for a long time for that.
—And you are not willing. The person doubtless does not suit you?
—Oh, I have my choice.
—Well and good. We cannot use too much reflection upon a matter of this importance. I am not rich, Veronica, but I should like to help you and to increase, if it be possible, your little savings, your dowry in fact.
—You are very good, sir, but I do not wish to get married.
—Why so?
—It depends on tastes, you know…. You are in a great hurry then to get rid of me, Monsieur le Curé.
—Not at all: do not believe it.