With the rapid perception of her genius and of her love, she felt he understood her; and not leaving him time to speak and compromise her, instantly said:

“It is very kind of you to keep your promise.”

“Not at all,” said Camors, seating himself.

“Yes! For you know you come here to be tormented.” There was a pause.

“Have you at last become a convert to my fixed idea?” she added after a second.

“What fixed idea? It seems to me you have a great many!”

“Yes! But I speak of a good one—my best one, at least—of your marriage!”

“What! again, cousin?” said Camors, who, now assured of his danger and its nature, marched with a firmer foot over the burning soil.

“Yes, again, cousin; and I will tell you another thing—I have found the person.”

“Ah! Then I shall run away!”