"It is well that you are English, Nicholas. No Frenchman of family could
have married the daughter of a man who had cheated at cards."
"Even if the girl was good and splendid like Alathea, Duchesse?"
"For that, no, my son, we have little left but our traditions, and our
names, and those things matter to us. No, frankly, I could not have
permitted the union had you been my son."
So I had been right in my analysis of what would be the bent of my old
friend's mind.
"You are pleased now, though, dear Duchesse?" I pleaded.
"It seems impossible, from my point, and I would not have encouraged it,
but since it is done, I can but wish my dear Alatheé and you, my dear
boy true happiness."
Again I took and kissed her kind hand.
"In England, especially in this war time, questions are not asked,
n'est ce pas? She can be 'Sharp' simply and not Bulteel, then it may
pass. For the girl, herself, you have a rare jewel, Nicholas--unselfish,
devoted, true, but the will of the devil! You shall not be able to turn
her as you wish, if her ideas go the other way!"
"Duchesse, the situation is peculiar, there is no question of love in
it. Alathea is marrying me merely that she may give money to her family.
I am marrying that I may have a secretary without scandal. We are not
going to be really husband and wife."
The Duchesse dropped her fire-screen, her clever-eyes were whimsical and
sparkling.
"Tiens!" she said, and never has the delicious word conveyed so much
meaning! "You believe that truly Nicholas? Alatheé is a very pretty girl
when properly dressed--"
"And without glasses!"
"As you say, without glasses, which I hear cover her fine eyes when in
your society!"
"I asked her to marry me under those terms, and it was only upon those
terms she accepted me."
The Duchesse laughed.
"A nice romance! Well, my son, I wish you joy!"
"Duchesse," and I leaned forward, "do you really think I can make her
love me? Am I too awful? Is there a chance?"
The Duchesse patted my arm and her face shone with kindliness.
"Of course, foolish boy!" And she broke into French, using the "thee"
and "thou" again affectionately. 'I was very handsome!--that which
remained,--and all would look the same as ever when the repairing should
be complete!' "So very tall and fine, Nicholas, and hair of a thickness, and what is
best of all, that air of a great gentleman. Yes, yes, women will always
love thee, sans eye, sans leg, do not disturb thyself!"