Page:Francesca Carrara 3.pdf/297

294 "I can assure you, I should not think either wasted on your adorable self.”

"But I should," answered Francesca, calmly.

"You are not a judge," said Charles, somewhat piqued. A little confusion would have flattered him; but self-possession is the most provoking thing in the world.

"I am, as far as concerns myself."

"You are quite wrong to speak so decidedly. A pretty woman should never have an opinion of her own. Indecision is so very charming."

"I am afraid it is a charm quite wanting in myself. I both make up my mind and keep to it."

"Pray, have you made up your mind as to what sort of a lover you would like?"

"I have."

"You have rather taken me by surprise. I expected you to say that you never thought of such things—that you never expected to have a lover at all."

"I should not then have spoken the truth."

"I begin to suspect that you have some lover or other in your head."

"In my heart, please your Grace."

"You are very candid," exclaimed Charles.

"I mean to be still more so," replied