I seldom ride in a common fiacre, but this time I did so. It
was an excitement--la chasse! I saw the little beauty arrive at your
door,--I gave her time to pour out all her confidences,--and then I
arranged with myself and le bon Dieu to escort her home."
"You arranged well," said Angela, inclined to laugh at his easy
audacity, "but le bon Dieu was evidently not of your opinion,--and
you must remember that the most excellent arrangements are not
always carried out."
"True!" and Fontenelle smiled, "In the case of the fascinating
Sylvie, I do not know when I have had so much trouble about a woman.
It is interesting, but vexatious. Sometimes I think I shall have to
give up and gallop off the hunting-field altogether--"
"Excuse me, Marquis," said Angela coldly, "Sylvie Hermenstein is my
friend--pray understand that I cannot allow her to be spoken of in
the tone of badinage you are pleased to assume."
He looked up with a curious air of surprise and mock penitence.
"Pardon! But there is no badinage at all about the very serious
position in which I find myself," he said, "You, mademoiselle, as a
woman, have not the slightest idea of the anxiety and trouble your
charming sex gives to ours. That is, of course, when you are
charming--which is not always.
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