"You say that you love me, do you, monsieur? But why should I believe in your love? What proofs of it have you given me?"
"What proofs? Do you mean to say, mademoiselle, that you must have proofs before you believe in it?"
"Most certainly! Oh! I am very incredulous, monsieur, and I don't believe in anything until I have had proofs of it."
"But it seems to me, mademoiselle, that the step I am taking at this moment ought to satisfy you that I am telling you the truth. When a man of my rank, a man accustomed to frequent only the best society, pays a visit to a—a simple working girl, he must be impelled thereto by a very powerful sentiment!"
"That is to say, monsieur, that you think you do me great honor by calling on me?"
"Why, no, I don't say that! You are cruel, and no mistake! you put a bad construction on everything I say!"
Georgette made no reply, but continued to sew. Monsieur de Mardeille, sorely annoyed because he had failed to make such rapid progress as he hoped, said to himself:
"Let us try changing the subject. The little one must like pleasure. All women want to be amused. Let us see if we can't dazzle her."
After a moment, he added, aloud:
"Have you been working long at this trade—for a linen draper?"