"He is no scholar neither, and I have had to wipe up many a sneer and
many a sarcasm on his account; but up to now I have always been able
to reply that this five feet one of egotism loves me sincerely; and the
moment I doubt this, I give him the sack,--poor little fellow!"
"In a word," said Riviere, a little impatiently, "the family at
Beaurepaire are not in such straits as he pretends?"
"Monsieur, do I look like one starved?"
"By Jove, no! by Ceres, I mean."
"Are my young mistresses wan, and thin?"
"Treason! blasphemy! ah, no! By Venus and Hebe, no!"
Jacintha smiled at this enthusiastic denial, and also because her sex is
apt to smile when words are used they do not understand.
"Dard is a fool," suggested Riviere, by way of general solution. He
added, "And yet, do you know I wish every word he said had been true."
(Jacintha's eyes expressed some astonishment.) "Because then you and I
would have concerted means to do them kindnesses, secretly; for I see
you are no ordinary servant; you love your young mistresses. Do you
not?"
These simple words seemed to touch a grander chord in Jacintha's nature.
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