Page:A Virgin Heart.pdf/122

118 lieved that it was possible to inspire a young girl with such ingenuous conﬁdence. And how frank she was! What a divine simplicity!

"How does one make oneself so much loved? What's his secret? Ah, if only I dared ask more! But now, I don't even want to try and violate an intimacy, so charming to contemplate. I am looking at happiness, and it's such a rare sight."

He glanced at Rose once more.

"And with all that she's very pretty. How graceful she is under this aspect of wildness! What suppleness of form! Everything, down to her complexion, gilded and freckled, like an apple, by the sun, looks lovely in these country surroundings. How well a wife like this would suit me; for I belong to this country and am destined to live here. 'Why couldn't Hervart have stayed among his Parisian women?"

"He must be very fond of you," he went on, "and I envy his happiness in being allowed to be your friend. I shall come back, since you so desire, but I would rather not come back."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to displease you."