I respect and admire him more than any living man, and I shall be proud to become his wife when he returns, as his wife I shall become in spite of all that you and your son may do." The Dowager laughed softly, as if to herself.
"And if I tell you that Florimond is dead ?" "When you give me proof of that, I shall believe it," the girl replied.
The Marquise looked at her, her face manifesting no offence at the almost insulting words.
"And if I were to lay that proof before you ?" she inquired, sadly almost.
Valerie's eyes opened a trifle wider, as if in apprehension.

But her answer was prompt and her voice steady.

"It still could have no effect upon my attitude towards your son." "This is foolishness, Valerie--" "In you it is, madame," the girl broke in; "a foolishness to think you can constrain a girl, compel her affections, command her love, by such means as you have employed towards me.

You think that it predisposes me to be wooed, that it opens my heart to your son, to see myself gaoled that he may pay me his court." "Gaoled, child?
Who gaols you ?" the Dowager cried, as if the most surprising utterance had fallen from Valerie's lips.
Mademoiselle smiled in sorrow and some scorn.
"Am I not gaoled, then ?" she asked.

"What call you this?
What does that fellow there?
He is to lie outside my door at nights to see that none holds communication with me.