”‘Master Edmond,’ he said, ‘if you would like to play a game of “graces” with Miss Edmée, I will go and get you the hoops and sticks.’
“Edmond muttered something about not knowing how.
”‘Never mind,’ said Pierre good-naturedly; ‘I’ll soon show you how,’ and off he set.
“Edmée stood still; she was less generous for Pierre than he was for himself; she would make no advances to Edmond. He, feeling, to tell the truth, rather ashamed of himself, threw on her from time to time furtive glances, which she took no notice of. At last tired of her indifference, he spoke.
”‘Edmée,’ he said.
”‘Well,’ replied the little girl.
”‘It did not hurt him—that boy, I mean.’
”‘Did it not? How do you know?’
”‘It did not hurt him much,—I did not wish to hurt him,’ continued Edmond.
”‘I am glad to hear it,’ said Edmée. Her tone was a very little softened, Edmond was encouraged by it to edge a little nearer.