"She is fifteen. I have met her, we have been together. I was much taken with her. How charming she is!"
"I am not going to marry her," he said.
"Indeed."
He looked at her. His face twitched.
"But why do you say that now? Is it because you want to call my attention to another?"
She went on with rapid steps and did not answer. They found themselves outside the Chamberlain's. She took his hand and drew him into the gateway and up the stairs.
"I'm not going in," he said, half surprised.
She pressed the bell, then turned to him, and her bosom was heaving.
"I love you," she said. "Do you understand? It is you I love."
Suddenly she drew him downstairs again, quickly, three or four steps, threw her arms around him and kissed him. She trembled against him.