I gained credit with Kiusko by taking him into my confidence, and telling him that I had in truth a liaison with a young widow, whose high position in society demanded extreme prudence on my part. With the tact of a thorough-bred gentleman, he never referred to the subject again. Being himself associated with us in our relations with the Montagues, through meeting them at my aunt's, he would never dream of my having any attachment in that quarter; indeed, he was now almost on an equal footing of friendship with me in our intercourse with the fair trio, and was spoken of as one of their "tame cats." Such was the position of things when the following event occurred.
It happened a few days ago. I was in my aunt's boudoir, talking about some matter, which I forget; she was knitting away at a little piece of ornamental work, with her usual business-like industry, and I was playing with her dog "Music," a young animal from Greece.
"By the bye, André," she said, "I have an important commission to discharge, concerning which I must consult you."
"All my wisdom is at your service, aunt."
"Let us talk seriously," she continued; "you have to undergo a regular cross-examination, and I command you to reply like an obedient nephew."
"Oh, you frighten me!"
"Don't interrupt me, please. In my person you see before you a family council."
"What, all at once, and without any preparation?—without even changing your dress?"
"You impertinent boy, do you mean to say this does not suit me?"
"On the contrary, I find it quite bewitching."