Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/174

150 looked forward to making a good use at the proper time of this intimacy between the two men, in order to detach Blandine from her master. Neglected and even abandoned by Kehlmark, the poor woman would naturally be more inclined to listen to a new gallant.

Availing himself of a moment when Blandine had gone into the kitchen to attend to some household matter, Landrillon ventured one day to make his declaration:—

"I have some small savings," he hasarded, "and if it is true that the old lady left you a portion of her stored-up "spoof" we shall make a nice couple, do you not think so, Mam'zelle Blandine? For while you are a pretty enough mouthful you must allow there are uglier fellows than me. Lots of fine wenches of your sex have, for the rest, found out ways to convince me of it," added the would-be seducer, twirling his mustache. Much disgusted with this declaration, Blandine declined coldly and with dignity the honour which he offered her, without taking the trouble to give the least reason for her refusal.

"Eh, what, Mam'zelle! that can't be your last word. You'll consider. Boasting apart,