_Man._ And now, having enjoyed the honor of a tete-a-tete with each of those most interested in inquiring into matters upon which I'm strictly determined to be silent, I presume I shall be permitted to continue my work undisturbed. [_He has reseated himself at his drawing._ _MARGUERITE re-enters to find her basket. He rises. She merely looks haughtily at him and, in carrying off the basket, lets a rose fall on the ground._ _Man._ Really, her manner is more than haughty. 'Tis almost rude. [_He picks up the flower._] I suppose now, she'd grudge me this poor flower, yet who, though loving wildly and hopelessly as I do, would not think it a fair prize? No, I will return it. I will not be guilty of one action which shall give my heart the power to whisper "Thus should'st thou not have done." _Re-enter MARGUERITE._ _Mar._ [_Aside._] As I supposed. Have the kindness, sir, to return me that flower. I am not in the habit of presenting boquets to--gentlemen. _Man._ Under which conviction, Mademoiselle, I was on the point of bringing it to you. _Mar._ [_Aside._] Oh! for some way to make him feel how I despise him. Do you know, M. Manuel, seeing so little of you, lately, I was under the impression that death had deprived us of another steward-- _Man._ Highly flattered that you should condescend to be under any impressions concerning so insignificant a person. _Mar._ I thought that so gifted a gentleman could hardly do anything without a motive, and now I am informed that your absence is attributable to the fact that you spend all your evenings with our noble relative, Mademoiselle Delonnais. _Man._ I certainly do, and I deny myself that pleasure the less because the lady happens to be old enough to be my grandmother. Her ancestors reigned here formerly, and she--the last of a noble race--poor and infirm, bears so well the dignity of her name, her age, and her misfortunes, that I feel almost a filial affection for her. Besides, it was your mother who first introduced me to her. _Mar._ Oh! no one means to reproach you; on the contrary, I dare say Madame Laroque is obliged to you for your attention to the good old lady. _Man._ You may remember, too, it was your wish-- _Mar._ Oh, if you want praise or admiration from me, you must be content to wait. Though young, I have some experience of life. I know that there are two motives to most human actions. I know that M'lle Delonnais has a small independence. I know she has no heir, therefore a little extra attention and-- _Man._ Mademoiselle, permit me to express for you my sincere pity. _Mar._ Sir! _Man._ Permit me to express for you my sincere pity. _Mar._ Your pity? _Man._ Yes, madame--if unjust suspicion be the bitter fruit of experience in one so young. Nothing can merit more compassion than a heart withered by misbelief, almost before it has begun to exist. _Mar._ Are you aware of what you say, sir? Are you aware to whom you speak?