"In the first place, he was convinced that there would be no need to say anything to you about it; that you would never have any desire to come to our house again."
"Why so, pray?"
"I don't know why; for my part, I didn't think as he did. Something told me that you would come—to hear about Fanny—to talk about her. I guessed right, did I not?"
"Yes, yes! you read my heart."
"For I know very well that that was the only reason it occurred to you to come here."
"Do you think that I am not fond of you—of you and your father?"
"Oh! I don't say that; but my father fears—suppose you should meet my sister here?"
"I should be able to act with her as with a person who was a total stranger to me. Does she come to see you often?"
"No, not often. She has so many other calls to make! She knows so many people now!"
At that moment the bell rang.