Page:In a winter city, by Ouida.djvu/70

Rh Duc," she asked, "what will our smoking bring?—the end of the world?"

"It will bring animosity of the sexes, abolition of the marriage laws, and large increase of paralysis," replied M. de St. Louis with great decision.

"You have answered me without a compliment—what flattery to my intelligence."

"Miladi, I never flatter you. I am not in the habit of imitating all the world."

"You look severe, Della Rocca," said Madame Mila. " Do you disapprove of women smoking?"

"Madame, a woman of grace lends grace to all she does, no doubt."

"That is to say, you don't approve it?"

"Madame, I merely doubt whether Lionardo would have painted Mona Lisa had she smoked."

"What a good idea you give me!—I will be painted by Millais or Cabanel, smoking. It will be novel. The cigar shall be in my mouth. I will send you the first photograph. Ah! there is Nordlingen; he will come over here, and he is the greatest bore in Europe. You know what your King here said, when