Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/228

150 "And you lost, that goes without saying."

"No, I won."

"So much the worse. I would like better if you had lost, especially if that could have disgusted you forever with a habit as foolish as it is detestable."

She bent over her work, and pursued her task with a somewhat affected industry.

"Were there many people at Madame Darsenay's?" demanded Max timidly.

"No, very few."

"No marriageable young ladies?"

"No."

"I am depending upon you, however, madam. You know what you promised me?"

"We have time enough to think of that."

There was an accent of coldness and constraint in the voice of Madame de Piennes which was not usual with her.

After a silence. Max continued with an air of humility:

"You are displeased with me, madam? Why don't you give me a good scolding as my aunt used to do, only to forgive me afterward? Come, do you wish me to give you my word never to gamble again?"

"When one makes a promise it is necessary to feel that he has the strength to keep it."