It was not her words; it was the contempt with which she had invested them.

But immediately he was ashamed of his outburst.

"Ah, Mademoiselle, you have tricked me; you have found the vulnerable part in my armor.

I have spoken like a child.
Permit me to apologize for my apparent lack of breeding." He rose, bowed, and made as though to depart.
"Sit down, Monsieur," she said, picking up her French again.

"I forgive you.