One day he invited me to dine with him tete-a-tete at the Cafe Anglais and, as my father and mother were out, I accepted.  I felt a certain curiosity about this invitation, because my host in his letter had given me the choice of several other dates in the event of my being engaged that night.  When I arrived at the Cafe Anglais Baron Hirsch took off my cloak and conducted me into a private room.  He reminded me of our first meeting, said that he had been much struck by my self-control over the iced champagne and went on to ask if I knew why he had invited me to dine with him.  I said: 

“I have not the slightest idea!”

Baron Hirsch:  “Because I want you to marry my son, Lucien.  He is quite unlike me, he is very respectable and hates money; he likes books and collects manuscripts and other things, and is highly educated.”

Margot:  “Your son is the man with the beard, who wears glasses and collects coins, isn’t he?”

Baron Hirsch (thinking my description rather dreary):  “Quite so!  You talked to him the other day at our house.  But he has a charming disposition and has been a good son; and I am quite sure that, if you would take a little trouble, he would be devoted to you and make you an excellent husband:  he does not like society, or racing, or any of the things that I care for.”

Margot:  “Poor man!  I don’t suppose he would even care much for me!  I hate coins!”

Baron Hirsch:  “Oh, but you would widen his interests!  He is shy and I want him to make a good marriage; and above all he must marry an Englishwoman.”

Margot:  “Has he ever been in love?”

Baron Hirsch:  “No, he has never been in love; but a lot of women make up to him and I don’t want him to be married for his money by some designing girl.”

Margot:  “Over here I suppose that sort of thing might happen; I don’t believe it would in England.”

Baron Hirsch:  “How can you say such a thing to me?  London society cares more for money than any other in the world, as I know to my cost!  You may take it from me that a young man who will be as rich as Lucien can marry almost any girl he likes.”

Margot:  “I doubt it!  English girls don’t marry for money!”

Baron Hirsch:  “Nonsense, my dear!  They are like other people; it is only the young that can afford to despise money!”

Margot:  “Then I hope that I shall be young for a very long time.”

Baron Hirsch (smiling):  “I don’t think you will ever be disappointed in that hope; but surely you wouldn’t like to be a poor man’s wife and live in the suburbs?  Just think what it would be if you could not hunt or ride in the Row in a beautiful habit or have wonderful dresses from Worth!  You would hate to be dowdy and obscure!”

“That,” I answered energetically, “could never happen to me.”