—­You are a pearl, Veronica.

—­You want to make fun of me; but others have said that to me before you, and they were talking seriously.  On the other hand, she continued, if you keep me, you need not fear my slandering you, since I am in your hands and the day you hear any rumour, you can turn me away.

—­Your argument is just, and believe me that my words had but a single object, not that of separating myself from you, but of being useful to you.  Since you are desirous of remaining with me, at which I am happy, let us therefore try to live on good terms, and do you for your part forget my weaknesses; I for mine will forget your inquisitiveness; and let us talk no more about them.

—­Oh yes, we will talk again.

—­I consent to it.  Let us therefore make peace, and give me your hand.

—­Here it is, Monsieur le Cure.

—­Ah, Veronica. Errare humanum est.

—­Yes, I know, Monsieur Fortin often repeated it.  That means to say that the devil is sly, and the flesh is weak.

—­It is something like that.  So then I trust to your honesty.

—­You can do so without fear.

—­To your discretion.

—­You can do so with all confidence.

—­To your friendship for me.  Have you really a little, Veronica?

—­I have, sir, said the servant, affected.  You ask me that:  what must I then do to convince you?

—­Be discreet, that is all.

—­Oh! you might require more than that.  But could I also, in my turn, ask something of you?

—­Ask on.

—­It will be perhaps very hard for you.

—­Speak freely.  What do you want?  Are you not mistress here?  Is not everything at your disposal?

—­Oh, no.

—­No!  You surprise me.  Have I hurt you without knowing it?  I do not remember it, I assure you.  Tell me then, that I may atone for my fault.

—­I hardly know how to tell you.

—­Is it then very serious?

—­Not precisely, but....

—­You are putting me on thorns.  What is it then?

—­Oh, nothing.

—­What nothing?  Do you wish to vex me, Veronica.

—­I don’t intend it; it is far from that.

—­Speak then.

—­Well no, I will say no more.  You will guess it perhaps.  But meanwhile....

—­Meanwhile....

—­It is quite understood between us that you will never see that little hussy again.

—­What hussy?

—­That little hussy, who was here just now.

—­Oh, Veronica!  Veronica!

—­It is for your interests, Monsieur le Cure, in short ... the proprieties.

—­My dignity is as dear to me as it is to you, my daughter, be answered sharply.

—­Good-night, Monsieur le Cure; take counsel with your pillow.

XLI.

MORAL REFLECTIONS.