"'You want me to go to monsieur your papa?'
"'Yes, monsieur, and right away; he's in his study now. Go and prefer your suit.'
"'But—mademoiselle—you see—I don't think I'd dare say that to monsieur your papa.'
"'My papa! my papa! Great heaven! can't you say my father, Monsieur Gabriel? You talk like a little boy of six! This is no time to tremble in your shoes and be afraid; if you don't go and make your request, some other man will be bolder than you; he'll speak out, my father will listen to him, I shall be bound to another, and I shan't be your wife.'
"Gabriel summoned all his courage, cast a glance at his costume, and cried:
"'I will go and speak to monsieur your pap—your father, mademoiselle.'
"'Good! and you must come right back and tell me what answer he makes.'
"'Right away?'
"'Why, of course! Do you think that I am not interested in it?'
"'I will come back, mademoiselle.'