Her elbows were resting on the arms of her chair and her hands were gracefully crossed under her chin. At that period it was the fashion for women to have their arms half bare at all times. On one of Edmee’s I noticed a little strip of court-plaster that made my heart beat. It was the slight scratch I had caused against the bars of the chapel window. I gently lifted the lace which fell over her elbow, and, emboldened by her drowsiness, pressed my lips to the darling wound. M. de la Marche could see me, and, in fact, did see me, as I intended he should. I was burning to have a quarrel with him. Edmee started and turned red; but immediately assuming an air of indolent playfulness, she said: “Really, Bernard, you are as gallant this morning as a court abbe. Do you happen to have been composing a madrigal last night?” I was peculiarly mortified at this jesting. However, paying her back in her own coin, I answered: “Yes; I composed one yesterday evening at the chapel window; and if it is a poor thing, cousin, it is your fault.” “Say, rather, that it is the fault of your education,” she replied, kindling. And she was never more beautiful than when her natural pride and spirit were roused. “My own opinion is that I am being very much over-educated,” I answered; “and that if I gave more heed to my natural good sense you would not jeer at me so much.” “Really, it seems to me that you are indulging in a veritable war of wits with Bernard,” said M. de la Marche, folding his paper carelessly and approaching us. “I cry quits with her,” I answered, annoyed at this impertinence. “Let her keep her wit for such as you.” I had risen to insult him, but he did not seem to notice it; and standing with his back to the fire he bent down towards Edmee and said, in a gentle and almost affectionate voice: “What is the matter with him?” as if he were inquiring after the health of her little dog. “How should I know?” she replied, in the same tone. Then she rose and added: “My head aches too much to remain here. Give me your arm and take me up to my room.” She went out, leaning upon his arm. I was left there stupefied.