In it lies the great secret
of attraction. Instead of looking Modeste in the face, as Canalis who
paid her public homage would have done, the neglected lover followed
her with a furtive look between his eyelids, humble after the manner
of Butscha, and almost timid. The young heiress observed it, as she
took her place by Canalis, to whose game she proceeded to pay
attention. During a conversation which ensued, La Briere heard Modeste
say to her father that she should ride out for the first time on the
following Wednesday; and she also reminded him that she had no whip in
keeping with her new equipments. The young man flung a lightning
glance at the dwarf, and a few minutes later the two were pacing the
terrace.
"It is nine o'clock," cried Ernest. "I shall start for Paris at full
gallop; I can get there to-morrow morning by ten. My dear Butscha,
from you she will accept anything, for she is attached to you; let me
give her a riding-whip in your name. If you will do me this immense
kindness, you shall have not only my friendship but my devotion."
"Ah, you are very happy," said Butscha, ruefully; "you have money,
you!"
"Tell Canalis not to expect me, and that he must find some pretext to
account for my absence.
Pages:
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359