"`Ah, indeed!' said the Marquis indifferently, as if the matter had already ceased to occupy his thoughts; he knew his sister too, and knew that, gentle as she was, she would not yield to any prejudices when she felt she was in the light. `Here, Edmond, you must make friends with your cousin, and be her little cavalier.' "Edmond did not stir; he stood beside his father with a vacant expression, as if he hardly heard his words. The Countess stooped and whispered something to Edmee; the little girl, though with much less than her usual bright readiness, came forward, and trying to get hold of the boy's hands, said gently-- "`Good day, my cousin. Welcome to Valmont.' "Curiosity got the better of Edmond's surliness. He looked at Edmee with a mixture of expressions on his face--admiration, suspicion, and as I said, a strong spice of curiosity. "`Good day, Mademoiselle,' he said. "`But you must not say "Mademoiselle" to your little cousin,' said the Countess, half laughing. She was sorry for the boy, and wished to be kind to him; but she had a strong feeling that Edmee would not approve of him as a playfellow. He was pale and thin, and looked extremely delicate, and his face, though the features were small and pretty if closely examined, was not attractive. Its expression was peevish and discontented, and there was a want of the bright, open frankness one loves to see in a child. `Would you not like to go with Edmee to see some of her treasures?' she went on encouragingly. `She has two pet rabbits and several birds to begin with.' "`Would you also like to see my picture?' said Edmee, for since the picture had been framed and hung up in her mother's room, she thought it the most wonderful thing in the house. "`I don't care for rabbits, and I don't care for birds,' replied Edmond. `I don't mind looking at the picture. You may show it me if you chose.' "Edmee had kept hold of his hand, and now drew him away. "`Come, then,' she said: `we shall look first at the picture, and then we shall go out in the garden, and Pierre will tell us stories, if you don't care to play with the rabbits. Pierre tells such pretty stories.' "She was, to tell the truth, so exceedingly anxious to get away from the Marquis, that she was not easily discouraged by Edmond's ungraciousness. Besides, had not dear little mother whispered to her to be `kind to the poor boy?' "Edmond, who was on the point of allowing her to lead him away, drew back again. "`Who is Pierre?' he said. `Is it that boy? I don't want to play with _him_.' "Edmee's patience seemed about to give way. She looked at her mother appealingly. The Countess took Edmond's other hand. "`Come with me,' she said decidedly. `It is right I should show you Edmond's picture, as it is in my room. And then we shall see what we can find for you to play at. Come, Pierre, my boy.'