The truth is, he had some spite against you, I don't know what, and he meant--oh! he meant you harm.

Sometimes he made me laugh; but there! what of that ?" "Well, Flore," said the heir, taking her hand, "as my father was nothing to you--" "What did you suppose he was to me ?" she cried, as if offended by some unworthy suspicion.
"Well, but just listen--" "He was my benefactor, that was all.

Ah! he would have liked to make me his wife, but--" "But," said Rouget, taking the hand which Flore had snatched away from him, "if he was nothing to you you can stay here with me, can't you ?" "If you wish it," she said, dropping her eyes.
"No, no! if you wish it, you!" exclaimed Rouget.

"Yes, you shall be--mistress here.

All that is here shall be yours; you shall take care of my property, it is almost yours now--for I love you; I have always loved you since the day you came and stood there--there!--with bare feet." Flore made no answer.