"I say to myself simply this: 'After M. de Maillefort's long desertion of me, to what am I now indebted for the novel pleasure of seeing him so often? It must be because I am Mlle. de Beaumesnil's guardian, and because this most estimable marquis has some special reason for again favouring me with his visits.'" "You are about right, baroness, upon my word." "What! you admit it?" "I am compelled to." "You almost make me doubt my powers of penetration by your prompt confession, marquis." "Are we not striving to outdo each other in frankness?" "True; I forgot that." "And now I, in my turn, will explain why I so suddenly ceased to visit your house. You see, madame, I am something of a stoic, and when anything gives me very great pleasure I suddenly renounce it, so I may not allow myself to become enervated by too much pleasure. That is why I suddenly ceased to visit you." "I would like to believe it, but--" "You can at least try. As to the resumption of my visits--" "Ah, that is the most curious part--" "You have guessed the reason--pretty nearly." "Pretty nearly, marquis?" "Yes, for though I have no special plans in relation to the subject of your ward's marriage, I can't help saying to myself that this great heiress is sure to draw a crowd of unscrupulous fortune-hunters around her, and Madame de la Rochaigue's house will soon be the scene of all sorts of amusing intrigues. A person who desires to see all the amusing acts of this comedy can view them from the reserved seats, so to speak, in Madame de la Rochaigue's house. At my age, and made as I am, I have no other amusement in the world except what observation affords me; so I intend to frequent Madame de la Rochaigue's house for that purpose. She will receive me, because she received me years ago, and because, after all, I am not any more stupid, nor any more of a bore than other people. So, from my quiet corner, I will watch the fierce struggle between the rival suitors. This is the truth, and now, baroness, you surely will not be so hard-hearted as to refuse me a place in your drawing-room where I can watch this contest, of which your ward is to be the prize." "But, marquis, you are not one of those persons who can watch people fight, without taking a hand in it yourself," said Madame de la Rochaigue, shaking her head. "Well, I can't say that I am." "So you will not remain neutral." "I don't know about that," answered the marquis. Then, emphasising the words strongly, he added: "As I am experienced in the ways of the world, as I have a horror of cowardice and conceit, and as I have always maintained my habit of plain speaking, I admit that if I should see a brave warrior, whose courage and worth have interested me, perfidiously attacked, I should be very likely to come to that person's assistance with all the means at my disposal."