This suggestion from Georgette checked the ex-dandy, who was about to fill the young man's glass, but reflected that it would be very foolish to prevent the old playfellow from going away from Paris. The breakfast lasted a long while; Colinet succeeded in retaining his reason, while doing honor to the neighbor's wines. Georgette was careful to change the subject when Monsieur de Mardeille mentioned Normandie. When the clock struck one, the latter rose and said: "I must go to the Bourse." "And I," said Colinet, "must think about starting for home." "A pleasant journey, Monsieur Colinet! We shall meet again, I hope." "Oh, yes!" said Georgette; "you will certainly see him again." When Monsieur de Mardeille had gone, Colinet said, with a sigh: "He's luckier than I am, that man is; for he stays with you, and I am going to leave you again!" "No, Colinet, he isn't luckier than you, for I love you, and I shall never have either love or friendship for that man." "Ah! if that's so, you're right, I am luckier than he is! His breakfast was mighty good! But, for all that, I'd rather have nothing but potatoes, with nobody but you!" "So would I, my friend." "Then you ought not to have invited him!" "Are you going to begin your questions again, Colinet?" "Oh! no, no! forgive me; I'm done." "Then kiss me and go; and kiss my father and mother and sisters for me." "Oh! never you fear; I won't fail." Colinet kissed Georgette and went away, weeping as bitterly as on the previous occasion. XVI TWELVE THOUSAND FRANCS About five o'clock in the afternoon, Monsieur de Mardeille returned to Georgette's room, having seen her sitting at the window, alone. "Well, so your young compatriot has gone?" he said, taking a seat by her side. "Yes, monsieur, a long while ago; almost as soon as you went." "That young man seems to be very fond of you." "Yes; he's a true friend." "But isn't he your lover?" "I have told you, monsieur, that I have no lover; and I can add, without lying, that I have never had one." "I believe you, my dear neighbor, I believe you; although it's a rare thing to find in Paris a girl of twenty--for you are twenty, are you not?" "And six months, monsieur." "And six months! that makes it all the more remarkable! A girl who is virtuous and always has been. Oh! that is very pretty! But, after all, I suppose that you do not intend to retain your--heart always?" "I don't know, monsieur; one cannot tell what may happen." "Bravo! very well answered!" And Monsieur de Mardeille moved his chair nearer to Georgette's, and murmured: "And suppose circumstances should bring you in contact with a man who adores you, whose happiness consists in making you happy,--like myself, for instance,--then would you yield to him?" "But women are so weak!" "Ah! fascinating girl, I am the happiest of men! you fill my cup to the brim!"