With her hair dressed a la Sevigne and wearing a gown of white tulle
adorned with pink ribbons, Natalie seemed to her mother so beautiful
as to guarantee victory. When the lady's-maid left the room and Madame
Evangelista was certain that no one could overhear her, she arranged a
few curls on her daughter's head by way of exordium.

"Dear child," she said, in a voice that was firm apparently, "do you
sincerely love the Comte de Manerville?"

Mother and daughter cast strange looks at each other.

"Why do you ask that question, little mother? and to-day more than
yesterday> Why have you thrown me with him?"

"If you and I had to part forever would you still persist in the
marriage?"

"I should give it up--and I should not die of grief."

"You do not love him, my dear," said the mother, kissing her
daughter's forehead.

"But why, my dear mother, are you playing the Grand Inquisitor?"

"I wished to know if you desired the marriage without being madly in
love with the husband."

"I love him."