"You are perversity in person!"
"Alas! a god would succumb before you, how much more a simple mortal."
"Truly, monsieur, you flatter me."
"No, mademoiselle, I assure you."
Then he spoke to her in a low voice with much familiarity, and with a perfect understanding.
When Mathilde left the salon she gave her hand to Jacob at the threshold.
"What is the matter, my child?" said he tenderly.
"I feel very happy," said she; "I know not why, and very calm. I desire nothing. It seems as if my life were slipping away little by little. You are by my side; I am sure of your affection. What further happiness can I have?"
"There would be very few who would be satisfied with a chaste love like ours. When I observe in the world the different personalities, different characters, I think, mademoiselle"--
"Why do you call me mademoiselle?"