Man and Maid

"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!"