Rose annoyed, turned her back on them and went away. Du Roy familiarly
took the elbow of the young girl left standing beside him, and said in
his caressing voice: "Listen, my dear, you believe me to be your
friend?"
"Yes, Pretty-boy."
"You have confidence in me?" "Quite."
"You remember what I said to you just now?"
"What about?"
"About your marriage, or rather about the man you are going to marry."
"Yes."
"Well, then, you will promise me one thing?"
"Yes; but what is it?"
"To consult me every time that your hand is asked for, and not to accept
anyone without taking my advice."
"Very well."
"And to keep this a secret between us two. Not a word of it to your
father or your mother."
"Not a word."
"It is a promise, then?" "It is a promise."
Rival came up with a bustling air. "Mademoiselle, your papa wants you
for the dance."