copperplate. My dear master, will you give her to me?"

"The absurd creature! He imagines that it only depends upon me to give
him my daughter. I could as easily dispose of the moon. Since she has
had teeth, she had made me desire everything she desires."

"At least you will give me permission to pay my addresses to her
to-morrow?"

"Beware, unlucky youth!" cried M. Moriaz. "You will ruin your case
forever. Since you have been away she has refused two offers, one of
them from a second secretary of legation, Viscount de R---, and at the
present moment she holds in holy horror all suitors. She is accompanying
me to Saint Moritz in order to gather flowers and paint aquarelle
sketches of them. Should you presume to interrupt her in her favourite
occupations, should you present yourself before her like a creditor on
the day of maturity, I swear to you that your note would be protested,
and that you would have nothing better to do than return to Hungary."

"You are sure of it?"

"As sure as that sulphuric acid will turn litmus red."

"And you have the heart to sent me back to Paris without having spoken
with her?"

"What I have said is for your good, and you know whether I mean you well
or not."

"It is agreed, then, that you will take charge of my interests; that you