"I will give you a decided answer after supper." I then began to caress her, and to make assaults in the style of an amorous man, but it was all in vain, though I succeeded in stretching her on a large sofa. She made her escape, however, and ran to her aunt, while I followed her, feeling obliged to laugh as she did. She gave me her hand, and said,-- "Farewell, till this evening." When they were gone, I reflected over what had passed and thought this first scene of no bad augury. I saw that I should get nothing out of her without spending a hundred guineas, and I determined not to attempt to bargain, but I would let her understand that she must make up her mind not to play prude. The game was in my hands, and all I had to do was to take care not to be duped. In the evening the company arrived, and the girl asked me to hold a bank till supper was ready; but I declined, with a burst of laughter that seemed to puzzle her. "At least, let us have a game of whist," said she. "It seems to me," I answered, "that you don't feel very anxious to hear my reply." "You have made up your mind, I suppose?" "I have, follow me." She followed me into an adjoining room, and after she had seated herself on a sofa, I told her that the hundred guineas were at her disposal. "Then please to give the money to my aunt, otherwise these gentlemen might think I got it from you by some improper means." "I will do so." I tried to get possession of her, but in vain; and I ceased my endeavours when she said,-- "You will get nothing from me either by money or violence; but you can hope for all when I find you really nice and quiet." I re-entered the drawing-room, and feeling my blood boiling I began to play to quiet myself. She was as gay as ever, but her gaiety tired me. At supper I had her on my right hand, but the hundred impertinences which, under other circumstances, would have amused me, only wearied me, after the two rebuffs I had received from her. After supper, just as they were going, she took me aside, and told me that if I wanted to hand over the hundred guineas she would tell her aunt to go with me into the next room. "As documents have to be executed," I replied, "it will take some time; we will talk of it again. "Won't you fix the time?" I drew out my purse full of gold, and shewed it her, saying,-- "The time depends entirely on you." When my hateful guests were gone, I began to reflect, and came to the conclusion that this young adventuress had determined to plunder me without giving me anything in return. I determined to have nothing more to do with her, but I could not get her beauty out of my mind. I felt I wanted some distraction, something that would give me new aims and make me forget her. With this idea I went to see my daughter, taking with me an immense bag of sweets. As soon as I was in the midst of the little flock, the delight became general, Sophie distributing the sweetmeats to her friends, who received them gratefully.