"I have not asked you to keep my secret, sir," said she.
"O mademoiselle!" said M.Daburon, wounded by this appearance of doubt.
"I know," resumed Claire, "that I can count upon you; but, come what will, my tranquillity is gone." M.Daburon looked at her with an air of surprise; his eyes questioned her.
"It is certain," continued she, "that what I, a young and inexperienced girl, have failed to see, has not passed unnoticed by my grandmother.
That she has continued to receive you is a tacit encouragement of your addresses; which I consider, permit me to say, as very honourable to myself." "I have already mentioned, mademoiselle," replied the magistrate, "that the marchioness has deigned to authorise my hopes." And briefly he related his interview with Madame d'Arlange, having the delicacy, however, to omit absolutely the question of money, which had so strongly influenced the old lady.
"I see very plainly what effect this will have on my peace," said Claire sadly.

"When my grandmother learns that I have not received your homage, she will be very angry." "You misjudge me, mademoiselle," interrupted M.Daburon.

"I have nothing to say to the marchioness.

I will retire, and all will be concluded.

No doubt she will think that I have altered my mind!" "Oh! you are good and generous, I know!" "I will go away," pursued M.Daburon; "and soon you will have forgotten even the name of the unfortunate whose life's hopes have just been shattered." "You do not mean what you say," said the young girl quickly.
"Well, no.