The miry depths of dissipation into which he occasionally plunged had never troubled Le Breton in the least. He was not actively aware that they did now, although he hoped that Pansy would not get to hear of them. But it was all part of the girl's nature to have ready the helpful hand.
"So, Pansy," he said, "having saved my body, you're now after my soul."
"Oh no, I'm not a missionary! But if you like people, there's no harm in giving them a word in season."
He brought his horse closer, and bent towards the girl.
"So you like me?" he said in a caressing tone.
"I shouldn't be here if I didn't," she answered candidly.
"And what if I say I like you?" he asked, laughing softly.
"I should say it's very nice of you, considering you know nothing at all about me."
"I can see you are beautiful. I know your heart is kind. Circumstances have shown me you are not mercenary. What more could I wish to know about you? Isn't the combination enough to attract any man?"
"Considering you are French, you've missed the vital point," she said demurely. "You haven't said anything about a dot."