"Certainly, Lanfranc especially."
"Isn't he amusing? His nephew is more severe, but I prefer it."
"So do I."
"I'm glad to see that you agree with me."
She continued after a moment's reflection. "He would be an excellent husband for Rose."
Hervart did not reply. He had grown pale and his heart had begun beating violently. His thoughts were in confusion; his head whirled.
"What do you think of the idea?" Mme. Des Boys insisted.
He withheld his answer, for he knew that his voice would seem quite changed. He murmured; "Hum," or something of the sort, something that simply meant that he had heard the question.
But bit by bit he recovered. The happy idea came to him that time. Des Boys was a nullity in the family and had little influence over her daughter.
"Nothing that she says has any importance. I'll agree with her."