"But it's not our fault," she stammered,—"if my sister doesn't love you—and yet, because she doesn't, we—must lose a friend."
"Dear Adolphine, such woe-begone friends as I am are hardly worth regretting."
"Do you think so? But suppose I like them so?"
"When I return, I shall probably find you married, too."
"No, no! I shall not be married, I—I am sure of it."
"What do you know about it? There are certain to be plenty of aspirants to your hand."
"I refused two, not long ago. They were both rich, but I am not like my sister; I want to love my husband!"
"Do you think, pray, that Fanny doesn't love hers?"
"Mon Dieu! I know nothing about it. I don't know what I am saying; I am so disappointed!"
At that moment, the door opened. Monsieur Gerbault appeared, with Monsieur Batonnin, who entered first.