“Yes, Clement, and I think you will be surprised. He asked me to marry him. What do you think of that?”
“And you gave him his answer?”
“Assuredly. I said no, without hesitating.”
Clement started so abruptly that Fleurange looked at him with surprise. She saw an expression of joy on his countenance which he could not conceal.
“I see you are no fonder than I of our cousin,” she said, “and are delighted with his ill-success.”
“Delighted? No. Were he my worst enemy, I should pity him at such a moment; but I am very glad of—glad of—” Clement hesitated, contrary to his usual practice, which was to go straight to the point. “I am very glad of a decision,” said he at length, “which will dispense me from ever speaking of him again to you.”
“What would you have done if I had accepted him?”
“What I am glad not to be obliged to do.”
“Now you are talking enigmatically in your turn.”