"No, you couldn't help me; and it's better that I shouldn't tell you now what I am trying to do; but you shall know some day; yes, I promise you that some day you shall know everything; and you won't blame me, Colinet; on the contrary, I am sure that you will approve of what I have done." "Oh! Mamzelle Georgette, I shan't blame you; for I know you, I do, and I know that you ain't capable of doing anything wrong. But, dear me! your head's a little--what do they call it down home?--a little solid; and when you've made up your mind to do something, why, you've got to do it." "Mayn't one have a strong will, as long as it doesn't lead one to do wrong?" "Yes, yes! Oh! you can have anything; but you used to _thou_ me, and now I'm sorry to find that you've stopped doing it." Georgette blushed as she replied: "That is true, Colinet; but it ought not to hurt your feelings--far from it--for I don't like you any the less on that account. But it seems to me that I ought not to speak to you so familiarly as I used to when we were children." "If you like me just as much, I ought not to complain; but I love you more and more every day, Georgette." "Oh! so much the better! that's just what I want! Above all things, don't you ever change; for I count on your love, Colinet!" "Oh! Mamzelle Georgette, can a man ever change when he loves you?" "Kiss me, Colinet." "With all my heart!" The opposite neighbor did not see the kiss, because all this had taken place before he went to the window. "What about that Monsieur Dupont I saw in your room so often when I was here before?" queried Colinet; "do you still see him?" "No, Colinet, I don't see Monsieur Dupont any more." The young man smiled. He seemed delighted to hear that; but his brow grew dark when Georgette added: "No, I never see him now, but I do see another man." "Ah! you have made the acquaintance of another man?" "Yes, a very stylish gentleman who lives in this house; he comes to see me very often." "Very often?" "You'll probably see him very soon. Then, as I shall tell him, which is perfectly true, that you are an old playfellow of mine, don't forget that I am supposed to be a Norman." "A Norman! But that isn't true; you are from Toul, in Lorraine." "I know that very well, Colinet; but that is just what this gentleman mustn't find out; and, above all things, don't mention my parents' name before him--remember that." "Why on earth do you make all this mystery with this man? You haven't ever done anything wrong, I know; so why do you conceal your family name, mamzelle?" "You told me that you had confidence in me, Colinet." "To be sure--I have it still." "In that case, my friend, don't ask me questions that I can't answer now. I have told you that it will all be explained some day, and that ought to be enough for you." "That's true, mamzelle; I was wrong to ask you questions; I won't say any more about it.--So you're a Norman, are you?" "Yes; from a little village near Rouen."