She started, looked up quickly, and passed on.
"The 'Marquise' is in a lofty mood," said the Italian, stooping as he spoke, and picking the gold piece from the ground. "Take it, Vicomte, it is yours, since she would have none of it."
Frederic uttered a sullen oath.
"And this has been going on for two months!" Fernando laughed, as he stated this as a fact, "and every day the Marquise—by the way, why is she called by that name!—repels the homage of the Vicomte!"
"Do you spend all your time watching me, Fernando? Take care, patience has its limits!"
"I am glad to hear it. You bear too much from this girl!"
Frederic caught his arm. "Listen to me, Fernando, my brain reels with mad projects. Help me to avenge myself on Fanfar—help me to carry off this girl, and I belong to you, body and soul!"
"Well said!" answered the Italian, "as the bargain is concluded, suppose we go to dinner?"
"But this girl?"
"We will talk of her to-night, and I am quite sure you will have no reason to complain of me!"