I was peculiarly mortified at this jesting. However, paying her back in
her own coin, I answered:

"Yes; I composed one yesterday evening at the chapel window; and if it
is a poor thing, cousin, it is your fault."

"Say, rather, that it is the fault of your education," she replied,
kindling.

And she was never more beautiful than when her natural pride and spirit
were roused.

"My own opinion is that I am being very much over-educated," I answered;
"and that if I gave more heed to my natural good sense you would not
jeer at me so much."

"Really, it seems to me that you are indulging in a veritable war of
wits with Bernard," said M. de la Marche, folding his paper carelessly
and approaching us.

"I cry quits with her," I answered, annoyed at this impertinence. "Let
her keep her wit for such as you."

I had risen to insult him, but he did not seem to notice it; and
standing with his back to the fire he bent down towards Edmee and said,
in a gentle and almost affectionate voice:

"What is the matter with him?" as if he were inquiring after the health
of her little dog.