The abbe in his uncertainty took to dividing his valuable society between the ladies. While the marquis and his affinity were fidgeting over experiments, he read impassioned strophes to the marquise. When the party went forth for a walk or drive he attached himself to the skirt of Aglae. Her behaviour was irreproachable. She laughed slily at his delicate hints, and seemed mightily amused by his compliments. Once, when he thought he was really making progress in this direction, she placed her two large hands upon her haunches, and wagging her head, remarked, "Does monsieur think me blind?" "Certainly not," replied the gallant abbe. "Those sparkling orbs shine like fireflies." "Then why arrange a trap--and such a clumsy one--for my poor big simple feet to fall into?" It is disconcerting to the astute to be twitted with lack of skill. The tactics that served for Gabrielle would not do with this shrewder lady. Since she guessed his hand, why not show the cards? Dangerous--but a hazardous game not unfrequently coerces Fortune. "Why can't you trust me, mademoiselle," he murmured. "Cannot one so sharp perceive that I'm her friend?" "A thousand thanks. I am indeed blessed," simpered the lady, raising her bushy brows. "A fortunate wanderer on life's rugged road. The marquis is all goodness. Have I also found favour with his brother?" "I have helped you already," pursued the abbe, fibbing. "I have explained to the marquise that she must no longer interfere with the children; that Mademoiselle Brunelle is to have absolute and complete control." Aglae shot at the speaker a suspicious glance. An ally and not an enemy? To what end? If it were really so, a friend in the camp would be extremely useful. A snare--surely a snare--for this man had every reason to dislike the intruder. "What motive have you for befriending a poor insignificant creature such as I?" bluntly demanded the governess. "People do nothing for nothing in this world, and I know that I am not a beauty." "I have my reasons." "What are they?" "Eve was too prying. Accept the lesson and trust." Aglae looked straight at Pharamond; then laughing her great rolling laugh playfully shook her head. "No. Trust You? Thank you," she said. "You overreach yourself, for you are a dreadfully sharp-witted gentleman who can see through a wall and round a corner. You think I have grand plans, when I have none; for I am only a guileless wandering waif who enjoys the good things of this world." There was a sly look of covert malice in her sparkling eyes which belied her words, "You do not believe me?" she continued. "I am not quite young, so I have learned to know the world and its funny little snares. Flies are only eaten by spiders because their lives are so short, that they've no time to learn experience." "You take me for a spider?" inquired Pharamond, uncertain what to make of the lady. "You are certainly a wee bit like, for you want to gobble up poor me!"