“She’s consented, then?”
“She has. And yours? I needn’t ask who it is. It’s the yellow-haired child, I suppose?”
“I once told you, Count, that child would yet be my wife. I have now the felicity to tell you she will.”
“Mère de Dieu! it is wonderful. I shall henceforth believe in presentiments. I had the same when I first saw her!”
“Her? You mean the future Countess de Roseveldt? You have not told me who is destined for your honour?”
“I tell you now, cher capitaine, that she is the prettiest, dearest, sweetest little pet you ever set eyes on. She’ll give you a surprise when you do. But you shan’t have it till you’re introduced to her right in front of the altar; where you must go with me. I’ve come to bespeak you for that purpose.”
“How very odd! It was for that I was going to you.”
“To engage me for best man?”
“Of course; you once consented to be my second. I know you won’t refuse me now?”
“It would be ungrateful if I did—requiring from you a similar service. I suppose you consent to reciprocate?”