He did not take his seat at table without first questioning Mlle.

Moiseney; knowing nothing, she could give him no information; but she responded indefinitely to his queries with that air of mystery beneath which it was her wont to disguise her ignorance.

He resolved to question Antoinette after dinner.

She anticipated him, taking him aside and recounting to him what had occurred.
"I presume," said she, "that henceforth you will believe in his pride and his disinterestedness.

Did I not foretell you that I should have to put myself on my knees to compel him to marry me ?" He could not repress a movement of indignation.
"Oh, reassure yourself!" she resumed; "that is only my way of speaking.
He was at my feet and I was standing." M.Moriaz opened his lips and closed them again three times without speaking.