“Well, my dear M. Albert, what do you wish?” my fair unknown asked with a smile.
“I was about to say, my dear Mlle. Solange, that it was hardly worth while to meet if we are to part so soon.”
“Oh, I beg ten thousand pardons! I find it was well worth the while; for if I had not met you, I should have been dragged to the guard-house, and there it would have been discovered that I am not the daughter of Mme. Ledieu—in fact, it would have developed that I am an aristocrat, and in all likelihood they would have cut off my head.”
“You admit, then, that you are an aristocrat?”
“I admit nothing.”
“At least you might tell me your name.”
“Solange.”
“I know very well that this name, which I gave you on the inspiration of the moment, is not your right name.”
“No matter; I like it, and I am going to keep it—at least for you.”
“Why should you keep it for me? if we are not to meet again?”