Page:Live and Let Live.djvu/155

 are. Madame know so well as I your little arts to get the blind of Mr. Hartell—bad appearance in the young girls to get the blind of the lady's husband. I have madame's leave—monsieur is quite another thing—you will not tell him?" she added, softening her tone. Lucy considered for a moment, and then remembering her mother's rule, whenever she doubted as to her course, to go straight forward, she said, "Adéle, you know that I know you are abusing Mrs. Hartell's confidence." Adéle's eyes absolutely glowed with rage, but Lucy courageously proceeded. "Did I not hear you tell Mrs. Hartell how much sewing you had done the two evenings you were out at balls when she was gone, and every stitch I had taken myself?"

"You could not hear that—we talk alway French."

"I heard and understood perfectly—half Mrs. Hartell's words are English, and I have learned many French words from you and the children. Perhaps you think I did not understand your winking at me, when you showed Mrs. Hartell as your work the stitches I had taken up on Ophelia's stocking, nor your offering me the pink cravat when Mrs. Hartell had left the nursery?"

"So it was to insult me you did not accept it?"

"No; but I would not accept a free gift from one I did not like, and certainly not a bribe."

Adéle had begun with a high blustering tone. She now began to feel how powerful are the weapons of truth, even wielded by a child; and softening down, she said, in a deprecating voice, "You, my dear, mean always right, but in one such young person the judgment is not ripe!"