“No, I assure you, really I have not.”
“Which will you speak in future, English or French?”
“French, or you will still think that I was laughing at you.”
“There is no logic at all in what you say.”
“Possibly, but still I will speak French.”
“Very well. Do you know, you are no longer so weak as you were. You are getting better, stronger.”
“Why?”
“For the first time since I have known you, I have heard you say I will. Now mark my words. You commence by getting a little will of your own, and in the end you will be quite firm, and when your will is firm and strong you will get strong yourself. Now promise me that you will cultivate a little will, like a frail hothouse plant that requires much care and attention.”
Again she laughed, in her gentle, winning way.
“You shall see. I shall grow astonishingly obstinate under your influence.”