Since we are not to marry each other, it
is forbidden to pay court to me!'"
From that day a close intimacy established itself between the
formerly affianced pair, now become accomplices in defeating the good
intentions of their elders. In long conversations, they talked in
turn, or both together, of their respective loves. Phlipote allows
Claude entrance to her chamber, full of admiration for its graceful
arrangements, its virgin cleanliness. He inspects slowly all the
familiar objects daily touched by her, her books, her girlish
ornaments. One day she cried with an air of mischief, "If she were
here in my place, what would you do?" and no sooner were the words
uttered than his arms were round her neck. "'Tis but to teach you
what I would do were she here." They were a little troubled by this
adventure.
[145] And the next day was a memorable one. By the kind contrivance
of Phlipote herself, Claude gains the much-desired access to the
object of his affections, but to his immense disillusion. If he
could but speak to her, he fancies he should find the courage, the
skill, to bend her. Breathless, Phlipote comes in secret with the
good news. The great actress desires some one to tune her clavecin:-
-
"'Papa would have gone; but I begged him so earnestly to take me to
the Theatre Francais that he could not refuse; and it is yourself
will go this evening to tune the clavecin of your beloved.
Pages:
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117