"For a moment she sat perfectly quiet: she had grown very pale, and her breath came quick. Then she looked up at me out of those large, dark eyes of hers, which you all know, and said,--
"'Yes, you are right. I will be sensible.'
"I took her in my arms, and exulted in my victory. I confess I had a hard battle; but you must all admit that I was right."
"I admit that you went resolutely to work," says her husband, gloomily.
"What do you think, Edgar?"
"Since I have no personal knowledge of Monsieur Cabouat de Hauterive, my opinion is of no value," Edgar replies, dryly.
"Well, you at least think I was right, Zino?" Thérèse exclaims, rather piqued.
"Certainly," he replies, "since I have lately become quite too poor to indulge in expensive pleasures, and consequently cannot marry for love. I shall be glad at least to know Stella well taken care of."
"Mauvais sujet!" Thérèse laughs. "I see it is high time to marry you off, or you'll be committing some stupidity. I must marry you all off,--you too, Edgar--ah, pardon, I believe I did promise to leave you unmolested; but I have such a superb match for you."
"Who is it?" asks Zino. "I am really curious."