"I fear that it would be idle, madame. Yet your interest in me is
very flattering, and I thank you. It is unfortunate for me that I
am so headstrong."
"And now who deals in insincerity?" she asked him.
"Ah, but you see, madame, it is an insincerity that does not
mislead."
And then M. de Kercadiou came in through the window again, and
announced fussily that he must be getting back to Meudon, and that
he would take his godson with him and set him down at the Rue du
Hasard.
"You must bring him again, Quintin," the Countess said, as they
took their leave of her.
"Some day, perhaps," said M. de Kercadiou vaguely, and swept his
godson out.
In the carriage he asked him bluntly of what madame had talked.
"She was very kind - a sweet woman," said Andre-Louis pensively.
"Devil take you, I didn't ask you the opinion that you presume
to have formed of her. I asked you what she said to you."
"She strove to point out to me the error of my ways. She spoke of
great things that I might do - to which she would very kindly help
me - if I were to come to my senses.
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