"How gallant he is to my sister!" said Fanny to herself, as Gustave escorted Adolphine to the door. "Well! we'll see about it!" "We are alone, madame, and I am listening," said Gustave. Instantly Fanny threw herself at the young man's feet, crying in a tone which she tried to make heart-rending: "Gustave! forgive me! Oh! in pity's name, forgive me, or I shall die here at your feet!" "Rise, madame, I beg; I do not understand this scene at all." "Ah! you do not choose to understand me; but I will not shrink from accusing myself! Yes, I was guilty, very guilty! Ambition, the longing to bear a title, had turned my head. I did not know what I was doing; I was mad. You must know that it was not love which attracted me to the count. Poor man! No, I have never loved but one man, and that man--was you; yes, you--despite my idiotic conduct. And then--I don't know--but the last time that you found fault with me, it seemed to me that you were jealous. I am too sensitive; I lost my temper all of a sudden. But, I tell you again, I didn't know what I was doing! Gustave! my dear Gustave! I will not rise until you have granted my pardon!" "Have you said all that you have to say, madame?" rejoined Gustave, with a calmness which disconcerted the little widow and induced her to rise. "Yes, of course. I think that I have fully expressed my regret and my remorse, at least." "Very well, madame, your wish is gratified; I forgive you--all the more freely, because, by not marrying me, you actually did me a very great service." "What do you mean by that, monsieur? Surely that answer of yours is far from gallant." "Oh! madame, you have given me the right not to be gallant to you. Observe that I am not reproaching you; God forbid! But, frankly, you might well have spared yourself this last comedy. I can understand that you must have a very poor opinion of my sense--I have given you the right. But, after all, there are bounds to everything; and I didn't suppose that you considered me an absolute idiot. It seems that I flattered myself too much." "What do you mean by _comedy_, monsieur? What is the significance of this tone, this satirical air?" "Oh! let us not lose patience, madame; and to put an end to the discussion, allow me to present my wife." As he spoke, Gustave stepped to the door and opened it. Adolphine appeared with a radiant face, for she had heard every word. She gave her hand to Gustave, and they both bowed to the little widow, who became white, red, and green, in turn, and who cried at last: "Ah! so you are to marry my sister! I might have suspected as much! As you please, monsieur. In fact, you will suit each other admirably. Accept my congratulations." "Won't you come to my wedding, Fanny?" said Adolphine, offering her sister her hand. "Go to the devil!" she retorted, pushing the hand away. And she rushed from the room, exclaiming: "I'd much rather you would marry him than I, for I think the fellow's perfectly frightful with his scar!"