However, he abated something of his lordly manner when he saw how unconcernedly the young woman received him. She seemed in no wise perturbed by his visit, but gracefully motioned him to a chair and coolly resumed her own, which was near the window, saying: "May I know, monsieur, to what I am indebted for the honor of your visit?" Monsieur de Mardeille settled himself comfortably in his chair, and replied: "Mademoiselle, I sent my valet to you yesterday; I ventured to request you to come to my apartment; it is not very far; I live just opposite." "Oh! I know it, monsieur; I recognize you perfectly. But your servant must have told you----" "That you would not call upon unmarried men--yes, he told me that. But, bless my soul! why do bachelors cause you such alarm? Have you had much reason to complain of them? Ha! ha! ha! Do you know that that might give rise to many conjectures?" And he laughed again, because he had fine teeth which he was very glad to exhibit, and because, moreover, he thought it quite clever to laugh like that. But Georgette remained unmoved, and replied: "I don't know what conjectures one might form, monsieur; but I act thus because it suits me, and I worry very little about what people may think." Monsieur de Mardeille, surprised at the girl's serious tone, smiled rather sheepishly and decided not to laugh any more. He moved uneasily in his chair as he rejoined: "I had no intention to offend you. The deuce! mademoiselle, it seems that one cannot safely jest with you." "I beg your pardon, monsieur; I am very ready to jest, when I know my man." "Ah! to be sure, and you know me only by sight as yet. I consider myself fortunate, mademoiselle, to have so charming a person as you are for my opposite neighbor; and it made me anxious at once to--to--to become better acquainted with you." "I thank you, monsieur; but there is too great a difference of rank between us." "Differences may be lessened; in fact, they very soon disappear between a lovely woman and a man who is fascinated by her charms." Georgette smiled and murmured: "Was it to tell me that that you came here, monsieur?" "Faith, yes! Look you! I won't beat about the bush; I prefer to go straight to the point. Indeed, why should I conceal the impression that your charms, your beauty, have made on my heart? Is it a crime to love you? especially as I am a bachelor, which certainly is no reason for spurning my homage. Yes, my lovely neighbor, you turned my head the very first time I saw you--in this charming négligé which is so becoming to you! I have not had a moment's repose since, I think of nothing but you! I used the pretext of wanting shirts made to try to lure you to my apartment; but what I wanted, what I want now, before everything, is to tell you that I adore you, and to beg you not to be insensible to my love!"