"Yes, monsieur, when that child is a daughter; when one wishes to give her a good education, and to cultivate her talents until she is a woman grown. Really, monsieur, I should have said that you were more generous! Forty thousand francs a year is too little for your pleasures, and you think that twenty thousand is too much for bringing up and educating a woman, and assuring her of a bare existence! Ah! that's just like you men!" "No, no, you are right: twenty thousand francs is none too much. But, for God's sake, let us drop this subject and return to you--to you, who will not always be so cruel to me, I trust. What do you want? you haven't told me yet." "Well, monsieur le vicomte, if I should yield to your solicitations, as I might have a little girl, I want the means of bringing her up, of giving her an education; and as I have no faith in a seducer's promises, I want it--before I give myself to him.--Do you understand me now?" The viscount was speechless with surprise; he frowned, moved his chair away from Georgette's, and muttered at last: "Hum! all this means that you want twenty thousand francs before you surrender?" "Yes, monsieur, that's it exactly." "That's a little expensive, mademoiselle." "It's not I who am expensive, monsieur," retorted the girl, with a glance of disdain, almost of contempt; "it's the little girl--the child." "The little girl! the little girl! but you haven't one yet! Wait at least until you have it, before you make such a demand!" "No, no! for it would be too late then, and I should be very sure of being refused." "Do you think so?" "I don't think so; I am certain of it." As she spoke, Georgette fixed her eyes on the young man's face with such a meaning expression that he could not support it but lowered his eyes and faltered: "In truth--it is possible." After a brief pause, Georgette rose, saying: "Adieu, monsieur!" "What! are you going, mademoiselle?" "To be sure; I believe that we have nothing more to say to each other." "I beg your pardon, but we have; only, your _ultimatum_ requires reflection. Will you allow me to consider it a little?" "Oh! as much as you please! You have compelled me to put my thoughts into words. It is a foolish idea; let us think no more about it." "Why so? Unless you said it as a joke." "No, I spoke most seriously; but I am fully persuaded that you will not make a sacrifice for me--of which I am not worthy." "But I don't say that. Only, one hasn't such a large sum always at his disposal." "There is no hurry, monsieur; we shall see each other again. Excuse me; I cannot stay any longer, I have work to do. Au revoir, monsieur le vicomte!" Georgette eluded the grasp of the young man, who tried to detain her, and who exclaimed when she had gone: