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46 replied timidly, "that men were accused of loving sweet things, because in dealing with them one required great sweetness." The cunning doctor appeared enchanted with the epigram. Her father would willingly have given them his benediction on the spot; this politeness enraged his daughter.

Nothing was definitely settled on that occasion, but Madame Phlipon, tender and pensive, began seriously expatiating on the advantages of this match; and Manon herself did not see any valid reason for refusal, save for the objection that, as she had had no opportunities of knowing, she could not well love this doctor. This was, of course, not taken into account, and, a formal offer being presently made, a second interview took place. Without being prepossessed in his favour, Manon told her friend that there was a good deal to be said in favour of this match. Some of her incidental remarks afford curious glimpses into the manners of the time. "M. Gardanne," she says, "does not wish for one of those women who, in marrying, expect a lady's-maid, a second footman, a private sitting-room—one of those women, in short, who pass the night at parties and the day at cards, as is the custom with doctors' wives." These seem great expectations for the wife of a doctor of but eight years' practice. Dr. Gardanne having already a well-furnished house, it seemed as if the marriage must be concluded instantly, and mother and daughter went to pass a week in the country, during which the necessary formalities were to be arranged.

Manon's dowry was to be, on this occasion, eight hundred and eighty three pounds—worth treble the amount that it would be now. Meanwhile, M. Phlipon, busy, inquisitive, elated, lost no time in making all