"'In the first place,madame,'I went on,pointing to her hands,'those pretty fingers,which are enough to show that you are not a mere girl--were they made for toil?Then you call yourself Madame Gobain,you,who,in my presence the other day on receiving a letter,said to Marie:"Here,this is for you?"Marie is the real Madame Gobain;so you conceal your name behind that of your housekeeper.--Fear nothing,madame,from me.You have in me the most devoted friend you will ever have:Friend,do you understand me?I give this word its sacred and pathetic meaning,so profaned in France,where we apply it to our enemies.And your friend,who will defend you against everything,only wishes that you should be as happy as such a woman ought to be.Who can tell whether the pain I have involuntarily caused you was not a voluntary act?'
"'Yes,'replied she with threatening audacity,'I insist on it.Be curious,and tell me all that you can find out about me;but,'and she held up her finger,'you must also tell me by what means you obtain your information.The preservation of the small happiness I enjoy here depends on the steps you take.'
"'That means that you will fly----'
"'On wings!'she cried,'to the New World----'
"'Where you will be at the mercy of the brutal passions you will inspire,'said I,interrupting her.'Is it not the very essence of genius and beauty to shine,to attract men's gaze,to excite desires and evil thoughts?Paris is a desert with Bedouins;Paris is the only place in the world where those who must work for their livelihood can hide their life.What have you to complain of?Who am I?An additional servant--M.Gobain,that is all.If you have to fight a duel,you may need a second.'
"'Never mind;find out who I am.I have already said that I insist.
Now,I beg that you will,'she went on,with the grace which you ladies have at command,"said the Consul,looking at the ladies.