recover from his error. Heaven would hear the saint's prayer.
Weeks went by. "Look here! We have been taking our fill of pleasure together for some time now, my girl, but it's not simply a question of frivolity," said Landrillon one day. "We must think of serious matters; and to begin with, we are going to get married."
"Bah! Is that really necessary," said the woman, with a forced laugh.
"What a question! Whether it is necessary? Thou'rt my mistress; and thou'dst refuse to be my wife!"
"What's the good, seeing thou hast had me—"
"What's the good'? Why, I want to become thy husband. For the rest, what dost thou hope for still in staying here?"
"Nothing!"
"Very well, then let's be off. Enough of pickings and scrapings! It's time to combine our little savings by going before the notary, and then, before the vicar. After that, good evening, Monsieur le Comte de Kehlmark."
"Never!" said she, with savage energy, thinking of the two others, and with a
