"But this is Monsieur Jacob, an old acquaintance of yours," said Mathilde.
"Ah, really! He has returned from his travels, then. How he has changed! I should never have recognized him. I am charmed to see him again."
The first step was of great importance. She appeared at first to be altogether indifferent; she played her first lines admirably. As for Jacob, he felt no emotion whatever. There exist in some men certain instincts which warn them, if they are not under the empire of a brutal passion, to avoid danger. Beautiful as she was, Muse did not attract him. Her beauty was for him like that of a statue or a lovely picture, no more.
She had more success with the group of men who were drinking coffee. They all praised her beauty. Henri alone dared not openly express his admiration, for fear of being heard by his wife.
"Delicious girl!" said Mann. "A dainty enough morsel for a king!"
"A morsel for a king!" added Simon; "but one must have golden teeth to chew it."
Mathilde's father, a great admirer of women, remarked in a low voice:--
"My word for it, she is well worth a thousand ducats!"
"Oh, much more!" cried Mann.
"Wait, gentlemen," added Simon; "put off the sale until after the marriage."