"So much the better. I will lavish my affection on her, and see if she is still as prudish."
Rolla preceded the vicomte up the stairs. As she went past she exchanged a quick glance with Robeckal, and the latter growled to himself:
"There is something up with her; I will watch and help her should it be necessary."
Rolla and Talizac were now in front of the door which led to Louison's room. The vicomte looked inquiringly at his companion and said:
"Open it."
"One moment, we are not as far as that yet. Just look at the little one first."
With these words Rolla opened a sliding window in the door and stepped back, while the vicomte bent down and looked into the partly lighted room.
Louison lay fast asleep on the sofa. The pretty head rested on the left arm, while the right hung carelessly down, and the long eyelashes lay tightly on the slightly flushed cheeks. The small, delicate mouth was slightly compressed, and the mass of silky hair fell in natural curls about the white forehead.
"Isn't she charming?" giggled Rolla.