"With pleasure, mademoiselle."
"Very well—bring your album."
I went down quickly and hurried to the bank.
"Ah! ah!" said the girl, laughing, "you're in a good-humour this morning, it seems."
I awkwardly murmured something to the effect that I was always in a good-humour, but Mlle. Marguerite scarcely seemed convinced of the fact. Then I stepped into the boat and sat down at her side.
"Row away, Alain," she said immediately; and old Alain, who prides himself on being a first-rate oarsman, set to work steadily, the long oars moving to and fro at his sides, making him look like a heavy bird trying to fly.
"I was obliged to come and save you from your donjon," said Mlle. Marguerite, "where you have been ailing for two whole days."
"Mademoiselle, I assure you that only consideration for you—respect—fear of..."
"Respect! Fear! Oh, dear, no! You were sulking, that is all. We behave much better than you. My mother, for some reason or other, thinks you ought to be treated with special consideration, and has implored me to sacrifice myself on the altar of your pride; so, like an obedient daughter, I sacrifice myself."
I expressed my gratitude frankly and warmly.