“But, above all, not a word of this to Monfréville, or I will have nothing more to do with it.”
“Never fear, that is understood.”
“When your charmer has escaped from her tyrant’s hands, I will take care to order a dainty repast sent to your little retreat. It is always essential that a lady should find something to eat when she arrives.”
“Yes, my friend, order a supper. But no plums, I beg! No plums! I have a horror of them!”
Daréna stared at Chérubin in amazement as he replied:
“Never fear. I was not aware of your aversion for plums; they are said to be very healthful.”
“If I see any on the table, I shall run off at once.”
“All right—don’t get excited. I will see that none are served.”
And the count left his young friend, after pocketing the bank-notes.
“Well,” said Chérubin, “this conquest shall not escape me, and it will make up to me for all that I have lost.”