"I can't say, monsieur; but I have always heard that it isn't safe to swear to anything." "Now you're talking reasonably. Very well! let me be the fortunate mortal to make love known to you. I am in a position to make you happy, to make your lot an enviable one." "A man always says that to the poor girl he is trying to seduce--but afterward----" "I always keep my promises. In the first place, I will give you a pretty apartment, which I will furnish with taste. You shall have handsome clothes and jewels. I will take you to the play and to drive; you shall have a carriage at your disposal. I will pay all your tradesmen's bills, and in addition you shall have a thousand francs a month to spend.--Tell me, isn't that attractive?" "Yes, indeed, most attractive! But how long will it last?" "So long as you love me." "You mean, so long as _you_ love _me_; and you gentlemen who are able to gratify all your whims--your love affairs never last long." "I have but one whim henceforth, and that is to please you. Well, Georgette, you have heard what I have to offer; you consent to make me happy, do you not?" And the viscount tried to seize the girl's hand; but she hastily pulled it away. "No, monsieur, no!" she replied. "What! you refuse my offers?" "I refuse them." "In heaven's name, have you some ground for hating me? Do you detest me?" "Not at all, I assure you!" "Then it must be that what I offer doesn't satisfy you, eh? Well! tell me what you want--what you desire. In short, explain yourself, I entreat you!" Georgette was silent for a moment, then said in a low tone: "If I should tell you what I want, you would think me very ridiculous, I am sure." "Oh! no, no! tell me; women are entitled to have caprices without number." "Oh! this is no caprice; it is simply forethought for the future.--Monsieur le vicomte, how much do you think it would cost to bring up a little girl, from the cradle till she was about sixteen years old--that is to say, to make a woman of her?" The young man stared blankly at her, as he replied: "What in the devil does that question mean? what connection has it with my offers?" "Much, I assure you. At all events, be good enough to answer; what is the probable cost of a girl's education, and her support--everything?" "As if I knew! As if I ever paid any attention to such things!" "No, I suppose you never have paid any attention to them; but, no matter! make a guess at it." "Well! about three or four thousand francs, I suppose." "No, monsieur, you're a long way off. I reckon that it would cost fully twenty thousand francs." "Twenty thousand francs! Nonsense! that isn't possible! Twenty thousand francs for a child?"