Brigitte thanked her, and Madame Daniel, having
set her conscience at ease, considered it no sin to render me desolate by
languishing glances.
In the evening when she had gone, Brigitte, in a severe tone, told me
what had happened; she begged me to spare her such affronts in the
future.
"Not that I attach any importance to such pleasantries," she said, "but
if you have any love for me, it seems to me it is useless to inform a
third party that there are times when you have not."
"Is it possible," I replied with a smile, "that it is important? You see
very well, that I was only joking, and that I do it only to pass away the
time."
"Ah! my friend, my friend," said Brigitte, "it is too bad that you must
seek pastimes."
Some days later, I proposed that we go to the prefecture to see Madame
Daniel dance; she unwillingly consented. While she was arranging her
toilet, I sat near the window and reproached her for losing her former
cheerfulness.
"What is the matter with you?" I asked; I knew as well as she. "Why that
morose air that never leaves you? In truth, you make our life quite sad.
I have known you when you were more joyous, more free and more open; I am
not flattered by the thought that I am responsible for the change. But
you have a cloistral disposition; you were born to live in a convent."
It was Sunday; as we were driving down the road, Brigitte ordered the
carriage to stop in order to say good evening to some friends, fresh and
vigorous country girls, who were going to dance at Tilleuls.
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