Finally, however, she comprehended the gravity of the situation.
"Well, do you know what we'll do?" she said; "it will be so nice! They will all believe that you have given me a tremendous scolding. And so you have, for you were cruel when first you came in!"
"I suppose you did not deserve it then?" I answered.
"Hold your tongue, sir!" she said, putting her finger up to her mouth, and pouting like a little child. "You're going to begin again! Let me tell you my plan, which will settle all our difficulties."
"Let me hear your plan."
"Very well; you shall tell them that you have been inexorable, and that you have treated me as an odious creature. For my part, I shall look still more angry with you. Before them, we will scowl at each other, and make them believe that all is quite at an end between us, and that you have decided to send me away and have me sold."
"What a capital idea!" I said to her.
"Yes, do let us. It will be so delightful, so clandestine! And then I shall feel that you love me better than them!"
"Because we shall deceive them, I suppose."
"Yes, yes!" she exclaimed, with a laugh; "because we shall deceive them! Besides," she added in a tone of conviction, "you must know very well yourself that there is no other rational course for us. In the first place I swear I will never beg the pardon of this miserable Hadidjé—never!"