Page:A Virgin Heart.pdf/107

Rh She pretended to desire a rose out of reach of her hand. M. Hervart darted forward, reached the ﬂower and set to work to strip the branch of its thorns and its superﬂuous wood and leaves.

"That was not the one I wanted," said Rose.

M. Hervart began again and the girl looked on, happy at having been able to interrupt a serious conversation by a mere whim.

Leonor examined them with a certain irony. Rose noticed his look, felt herself blushing and slipped away.

M. Hervart and Leonor continued their stroll and their chat; but they talked no more about love.