It _has_ reached you; but do not, I beseech you, let it trouble you!" "There is no truth in it of course, papa ?" said Salome, in a tone of entreaty.
"No, no, at least none that need concern you.

Lord bless my soul, girl, young men will be young men! Arondelle is now about twenty-five years of age.

And he was not brought up in a convent, as you were.

He has lived for a quarter of a century in the world! Surely, you do not expect that a young man should live as long as that without ever admiring a pretty face, and even telling its owner so, do you ?" "I never once thought about that, at all, papa," said Salome, in a mournful tone.
"No, I'll warrant you didn't! Well, don't think anything more of it now.
And don't expect too much of human nature.

In this year of grace there are no saints left alive! Believe that, and accept it, my girl!".