"To the health of my ancestors!" continued the Comte, draining the bottle into the two goblets. "And now throw your glass on the floor!"
"Yes, M'sieur," said Francine, who obeyed regretfully, with the new instinct of a housewife.
"Now, Madame, as wife and mistress of Keragouil, I think it is well that you understand your position and what I expect of you," said the Comte, waving her to a seat and occupying a fauteuil in magisterial fashion. "I expect that you will learn in a willing spirit what I shall teach you, that you may become worthy of the noble position you occupy."
"Oh, M'sieur may be sure I'll do my best," said Francine, quite overcome.
"I expect you to show me the deference and obedience that I demand as head of the house of Bonzag."
"Oh, M'sieur le Comte, how could you think—"
"To be economical and amiable."
"Yes, indeed, M'sieur."
"To listen when I speak, to forget you were a peasant, to give me three desserts a week, and never, madame, to show me the slightest infidelity."
At these last words, Francine, already overcome by the rapid whirl of fortune, as well as by the overcharged spirits of the potent Burgundy, burst into tears.