“When they usually arrange them for themselves,” continued Eugene.
Mr. Manning was excessively amused. “I see you know all about it,” he said.
“This is my excuse for breaking through your habits,” said Eugene earnestly. “I am noble; you are not. You might desire to have me for a son-in-law some day when I am no longer here, for I go to France to-morrow.”
“Couldn’t I write you a letter?” asked Mr. Manning.
“By the time of a few years I might form other arrangements; therefore, while I am here, where there are so few nobles, is it not better to secure me for mademoiselle your daughter?”
“Suppose mademoiselle my daughter didn’t wish to marry you when she grew up?”
“Oh! but she would,” said Eugene in great surprise. “Well-bred ladies are always arranged for in marriage in France, and they enjoy it. It would not be necessary to inform her until the time.”
“I know you fix these things in a different way in France,” said Mr. Manning with extraordinary seriousness; “but upon my word, I don’t like to be the first to start the custom here.”