XXIV
MARRIAGE PROPOSALS
Monsieur de la Bérinière left the table and went to talk with Adolphine; she, no less indifferent to the gallant speeches of the old count than to young Anatole's compliments, was equally amiable to both; for neither of them diverted her thoughts for a moment, and it is easy to be amiable when the heart is not involved.
The party broke up at last; but, before taking their leave, the count and Monsieur de Raincy in turn exchanged a few words in undertones with Monsieur Gerbault; which proceeding aroused Monsieur Batonnin's curiosity to such an extent, that he went in the direction of the kitchen instead of toward the street-door.
"It's your turn to be absent-minded, I see," observed Monsieur Clairval, satirically.
"Oh! not at all; I made a mistake in the door; that may happen to anybody. Perhaps you thought that I had something to whisper to Monsieur Gerbault, like those two ahead of us?"
"Ah! so they whispered to our friend Gerbault, did they? I confess that I didn't notice it, and, furthermore, that it's a matter of indifference to me."
"And to me, too, of course; although I have an idea that I can guess what they had to say to Mademoiselle Adolphine's father."
"Ah! you have an idea? The deuce! do you possess the art of divination, then?"
"One needn't be a sorcerer to divine certain things.—Do you want me to tell you my conjectures?"
"No, I thank you, Monsieur Batonnin, keep them to yourself; I don't appreciate conjectures; I like official facts only. Good-night!"