"Yes, let us part, for there is Dard's house; and I begin to suspect
that Josephine never sent you."

"I confess it."

"There, he confesses it. I thought so all along; WHAT A DUPE I HAVE
BEEN!"

"I will offend no more," said poor silly Edouard. "Adieu, mademoiselle.
May you find friends as sincere as I am, and more to your taste!"

"Heaven hear your prayers!" replied the malicious thing, casting up her
eyes with a mock tragic air.

Edouard sighed; a chill conviction that she was both heartless and empty
fell on him. He turned away without another word. She called to him
with a sudden airy cheerfulness that made him start. "Stay, monsieur, I
forgot--I have a favor to ask you."

"I wish I could believe that:" and his eyes brightened.

Rose stopped, and began to play with her parasol. "You seem," said
she softly, "to be pretty generous in bestowing your acquaintance on
strangers. I should be glad if I might secure you for a dear friend of
mine, Dr. Aubertin. He will not discredit my recommendation; and he will
not make so many difficulties as we do; shall I tell you why? Because
he is really worth knowing. In short, believe me, it will be a valuable
acquaintance for you--and for him," added she with all the grace of the
De Beaurepaires.