"Somewhat mollified by his submissive air,édé I continued:
"'Well, Monsieur Gabriel, as you are in love with me, of course you want to marry me; for my parents say that people ought not to love unless they're going to be married. I don't know how true that is. Would you like to marry me, Monsieur Gabriel?'
"'Why, certainly, mademoiselle, if you think it's possible.'
"'Why shouldn't it be, monsieur? Isn't it true that young men are brought into the world to marry young women?'
"'What's that? you don't know? For heaven's sake, what did they teach you at your school, monsieur?'
"'Latin, Greek, mathematics, geography, mademoiselle.'
"'And nothing at all about young ladies and love and marriage?'
"'Much good it does to send boys to school! it's a funny kind of education they get! However, Monsieur Gabriel, you're in love with me, you love me, you want to marry me; and I ask nothing better than to be your wife. Well, monsieur, you must go to my father and ask him for my hand.'
"'You want me to go to monsieur your papa?'
"'Yes, monsieur, and right away; he's in his study now. Go and prefer your suit.'
"'But--mademoiselle--you see--I don't think I'd dare say that to monsieur your papa.'
"'My papa! my papa! Great heaven! can't you say my _father_, Monsieur Gabriel? You talk like a little boy of six! This is no time to tremble in your shoes and be afraid; if you don't go and make your request, some other man will be bolder than you; he'll speak out, my father will listen to him, I shall be bound to another, and I shan't be your wife.'
"Gabriel summoned all his courage, cast a glance at his costume, and cried:
"'I will go and speak to monsieur your pap--your father, mademoiselle.'
"'Good! and you must come right back and tell me what answer he makes.'
"'Why, of course! Do you think that I am not interested in it?'
"He walked to the door of the salon, then retraced his steps and picked up his stick, which lay where I had thrown it. I stamped the floor angrily, and said:
"'What, monsieur! you have come back for that?'
"'Because I am used to having it in my hand, mademoiselle; it encourages me. When I haven't it, I don't know what to do with my hands.'
"'When a person's mind is occupied, monsieur, he is never embarrassed by his hands. But go, and hurry back!'