diamonds are worth as much more. Why should she regret me? Add to
this that I have promised her fifty thousand francs to dry her
tears with on my wedding-day, and you will understand that she
really longs to see me married."

"I understand," replied the baron; "Ninette Simplon won't trouble
you. But I can't understand why you should talk of economy on the
eve of a marriage which will no doubt double your fortune; for I'm
sure you won't surrender your liberty without good and substantial
reasons."

"You are mistaken."

"How mistaken?"

"Well, I won't hesitate to confess to you, my dear baron, that the
girl I am about to marry hasn't a penny of her own. My future
wife has no dowry save her black eyes--but they are certainly
superb ones."

This assertion seemed to disprove Pascal's statements. "Can it
really be you who are talking in this strain?" cried the baron.
"You, a practical, worldly man, give way to such a burst of
sentiment?"

"Well, yes."

The baron opened his eyes in astonishment. "Ah! then you adore
your future bride!"