at to do; be worthy of me, it is all I ask."

Ernanton exhausted himself in protestations.

"Oh! less warmth, M. de Carmainges, I beg; it is not worth while,"
replied she, carelessly. "Perhaps it was only your name that pleased me;
perhaps it is a caprice, and will pass away. However, do not think
yourself too far from perfection, and begin to despair. I hate perfect
people, but I adore devoted ones; remember that."

Ernanton was beside himself. This haughty language and proud
superiority, yet this frank declaration and abandon, terrified and yet
delighted him. He seated himself near the proud and beautiful lady, and
then tried to pass his arm behind the cushions on which she reclined.

"Monsieur," said she, "it appears you have heard, but not understood me.
No familiarity, if you please; let us each remain in our places. Some
day I shall give you the right to call me yours; but this right you have
not yet."

Ernanton rose, pale and angry.

"Excuse me, madame," said he, "it seems I commit nothing but follies
here; I am not yet accustomed to the habits of Paris. Among us in the
provinces, 200 leagues off, when a woman says 'I love,' she loves, and
does not hold herself aloof, or take pretexts for humiliating the man at
her feet. It is your custom as a Parisian, and your right as a princess.
I accept it, therefore, only I have not been accustomed to it. The
habit, doubtless, will come in time."

"Ah! you are angry, I believe," said the duchess, haughtily.

"I am, madame, but it is against myself; for I have for you, madame,
not a passing caprice, but a real love. It is your heart I seek to
obtain, and therefore I am angry with myself for having compromised the
respect that I owe you, and which I will only change into love when you
command me. From this moment, madame, I await your orders."

"Come, come, do not exaggerate, M. de Carmainges; now you are all ice,
after being all flame."

"It seems to me, however, madame--"

"A truce to politeness; I do not wish to play the princess. Here is my
hand, take it; it is that of a simple woman."

Ernanton took this beautiful hand respectfully.

"Well, you do not kiss it!" cried the duchess; "are you mad, or have you
sworn to put me in a passion?"

"But just now--"

"Just now I drew it away, while now I give it to you."

Ernanton kissed the hand, which was then withdrawn.

"Another lesson," said he. "Assuredly you will end by killing my
passion. I may adore you