“Mademoiselle,” said I, taking off my forage-cap, “your ridicule is not the most disagreeable incident 24 that I expect to meet with to-day. I am attempting to do my duty, and I must ask you to do yours.”
“By taking a walk with you, beau monsieur?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then,” said I, amiably, “I shall be obliged to set you on my horse.” And I dismounted and went toward her.
“Set me on—on that horse?” she repeated, with a disturbed smile.
“Will you come on foot, then?”
“No, I will not!” she said, with a click of her teeth.
I looked at my watch—it lacked five minutes to one.
“In five minutes we are going to start,” said I, cheerfully, and stood waiting, twisting the gilt hilt-tassels of my sabre with nervous fingers.