“Certainly, I too. Does that surprise you? If you had heard me this morning you would not be at all astonished.”
A little flush in Alice’s pure cheeks gave her animation which heightened her charm, and her walk seemed less languid and weary than usual. Paule, who loved the sweetness of her features though she thought them weak, was surprised at this new spirit and immediately felt that it was a good omen for her mission.
“This morning?” she repeated questioningly.
“This very morning,” said Alice solemnly, “I refused to marry.”
She said no more, so that she might enjoy the effect of this. It is always pleasant for a girl to give someone to understand that she has refused suitors. A more delicate thought made her add:
“You promise to keep the secret? I shall not even tell you his name.”
Paule, who had guessed it already, smiled rather uneasily. Quivering with excitement, she waited for explanations. Already she trembled for him who had sent her on his errand.
“Would it be indiscreet if I asked why you refused?”
Alice stopped. A golden ray, which shot through the leaves, fell directly on her fair hair. Her supple form bent forward a little and she cried, radiant as a spring flower.
“To marry means to love and nothing else!”