would be to give him your daughter; with her he would be entirely
satisfied.'"

"Ah! so that is the reason why she asked whether Jacqueline might not
stay with her when we go to Italy! She wishes to court her by proxy.
But I don't think she will succeed. Monsieur de Cymier has the best
chance."

"Do you suppose the child suspects--"

"That he admires her? My dear friend, we have to do with a very sharp--
sighted young person. Nothing escapes the observation of Mademoiselle
'votre fille'."

And Madame de Nailles, in her turn, smiled somewhat bitterly.

"Well," said Jacqueline's father, after a few moments' reflection, "it
may be as well that she should weigh for and against a match before
deciding. She may spend several years that are difficult and dangerous
trying to find out what she wants and to make up her mind."

"Several years?"

"Hang it! You would not marry off Jacqueline at once?"

"Bah! many a girl, practically not as old as she, is married at sixteen
or seventeen."

"Why! I fancied you thought so differently!"