"Just so, Monsieur de Tiernay, it will be a visit with as little of ceremony as possible—"
"Aunt!" interrupted Laura, as if recalling the marquise to caution, and the old lady at once acknowledged the hint by a significant look.
I see it all, thought I, De Marsanne is Laura's accepted lover, and I am the person to be employed as a go-between. This was intolerable, and when the thought first struck me I was out of myself with passion.
"Are we asking too great a favor, Monsieur de Tiernay?" said the marquise, whose eyes were fixed upon me during this conflict.
"Of course not, madam," said I, in an accent of almost sarcastic tone. "If I am not wrong in my impressions the cause might claim a deeper devotion; but this is a theme I would not wish to enter upon."
"We are aware of that," said Laura, quickly, "we are quite prepared for your reserve, which is perfectly proper and becoming."
"Your position being one of unusual delicacy," chimed in the marquise.
I bowed haughtily and coldly, while the marquise uttered a thousand expressions of gratitude and regard to me.
"We had hoped to have seen you here a few days longer, monsieur," said she, "but perhaps, under the circumstances, it is better as it is."
"Under the circumstances, madam," repeated I, "I am bound to agree with you;" and I turned to say farewell.