As I spoke, Manon came in under some pretext or other. I saw that the two sisters had an understanding never to be alone with me; I was displeased, but pretended not to notice anything. I got up, and I had scarcely put on my dressing-gown when the cousin came in with a packet under her arm. “I am delighted to see you, and above all to look at your smiling face, for I thought you much too serious yesterday.” “That’s because M. le Duc is a greater gentleman than you are; I should not have presumed to laugh in his presence; but I had my reward in seeing him start off this morning in his gilded coach.” “Did he see you laughing at him?” “Yes, unless he is blind.” “He will be vexed.” “All the better.” “You are really very charming. What have you got in that parcel?” “Some goods of our own manufacture. Look; they are embroidered gloves.” “They are beautiful; the embroidery is exquisitely done. How much for the lot?” “Are you a good hand at a bargain.” “Certainly.” “Then we must take that into account.” After some whisperings together the cousin took a pen, put down the numbers of gloves, added up and said, “The lot will cost you two hundred and ten francs.” “There are nine louis; give me six francs change.” “But you told us you would make a bargain.” “You were wrong to believe it.” She blushed and gave me the six francs. Rose and Manon shaved me and did my hair, giving me a kiss with the best grace imaginable; and when I offered my cheek to the cousin she kissed me on the mouth in a manner that told me she would be wholly mine on the first opportunity. “Shall we have the pleasure of waiting on you at the table?” said Rose. “I wish you would.” “But we should like to know who is coming to dinner first; as if it is officers from the garrison we dare not come; they make so free.” “My guests are Madame Morin, her husband, and her niece.” “Very good.” The cousin said, “Mdlle. Roman is the prettiest and the best girl in Grenoble; but she will find some difficulty in marrying as she has no money.” “She may meet some rich man who will think her goodness and her beauty worth a million of money.” “There are not many men of that kind.” “No; but there are a few.” Manon and the cousin went out, and I was left alone with Rose, who stayed to dress me. I attacked her, but she defended herself so resolutely that I desisted, and promised it should not occur again. When she had finished I gave her a louis, thanked her, and sent her away.