"Until he has placed me in such a position that I need have no fear of poverty, and that I can support and educate my child—if I should have one. Yes, monsieur, that is my firm and irrevocable resolution, and I promise you that I shall not change."
The dandified neighbor made a horrible grimace, and continued to pace the floor, mumbling:
"The devil! the devil! you look ahead, mademoiselle; you take your precautions."
"Is that forbidden, monsieur?"
"No; but it's very uncommon—luckily. For you, love, sentiment, a man's attractions—everything that ordinarily captivates a young girl glides over your heart without stirring it. Sensibility is not your strong point."
"Do you think so? And are you yourself so very sensitive, monsieur?"
"I am—to your charms, most assuredly. But my love does not touch you; you are very cruel to me."
"I am less stupid than other women, that's all!"
"However, mademoiselle, if one must settle a fortune on you in order to obtain your favors, you must understand that everybody can't afford to indulge in such a passion."
"A fortune! Oh! no, monsieur, I am not so ambitious as all that; a fortune is not what I ask, but simply the means to bring up the child that is so often the result of a woman's fault."