"Monseigneur, I had about given you up," said Julia, seeking to restrain the uneasiness which she felt at the sight of the marquis. "I have been here for six days, alone in this place."
"Yes, you must hare found it very tiresome I can imagine; but, ma belle, my messenger must have told you that it was not my fault. My arm is not cured yet, but I could not longer resist the desire to see this amiable child who for love of me was willing to live in solitude."
"For love of you, seigneur," said Julia, turning her eyes aside so as not to meet those of the marquis, which were fixed amorously upon her; "and who has made you believe that I am in love with you, if you please?"
"Ah, upon my honor, that is divine. Were you awaiting another here, then, my angel?"
"I was waiting, monsieur, to learn from you what motive you had in inducing me to leave my dwelling."
"Delightful by all the devils—delightful. She does not know why they brought her here. Did nobody tell you, little strategist?"
"It was from you alone that I wished to hear it, seigneur."
"That is correct. Love is ill made by an ambassador; the little god does not love pages and valets. He wishes to do his work himself. Come, a kiss first, and we shall understand each other better afterwards."
Julia disengaged herself from the marquis' arms, which he had wound about her, and withdrawing from him she cried,—
"Please, sir, cease these liberties which offend me!"