Rosaline curtsied with a smile on her lips.
“I am honored, monsieur,� she replied; “but happily, as my grandmother says, I have the decision of my fate. My marriage matters to no one except to her and to me—and, monsieur, I do not desire to marry.�
He stared at her in such frank surprise that she had to avert her face to hide her amusement.
“You are only a child,� he said bluntly; “you do not understand what my name and fortune would mean to you. ’Tis not every day, mademoiselle, that a man desires to marry a young girl without a dot!�
She laughed softly, her blue eyes shining.
“I appreciate your condescension, monsieur,� she said amiably; “but I am too wise to thrust myself upon such rash generosity.�
“This is folly, mademoiselle,� he exclaimed, his temper rising; “or is it only a shamefaced reluctance to confess your true sentiments?�
Rosaline had borne much, but at this she broke down, laughing as merrily and recklessly as a child; laughing until tears stood in her blue eyes. Meanwhile M. de Baudri stood in front of her swelling with rage and mortification, his face crimson and his blue eyes fierce with indignation. Still Rosaline laughed.
“Mademoiselle is merry,� he said stiffly.
“I beg your pardon, monsieur,� she replied, “a thousand times.�