"I assure you that it is, my daughter. Well, come; would you like me to speak to Julia, to try and reason with her? I would prefer giving her a good whipping; however—!"
"Poor, dear mother," rejoined Clotilde, "must I then tell you everything?"
She came to kneel down in front of the baroness.
"By all means, daughter; tell me everything, but don't make me cry, I beg of you! Is what you have to tell very sad?"
"Not very gay."
"Mon Dieu! But no matter; go on."
"In the first place, mother, I must confess that I would personally feel no scruple in marrying again—"
"I should think not! That would be carrying it just a little too far!"
"As to Julia—whom I adore, who loves me sincerely, and who loves you very much too, whatever you may say—"
"Satisfied of the contrary," said the baroness. "But no matter; proceed."