Plump ladies have this advantage: they are superb to look upon; they have only to show themselves and they triumph.""I fear you are making fun of me," said the old maid, "and that is not kind when all the town will probably misinterpret what happened to me yesterday.""As true as my name is du Bousquier, mademoiselle, I have never changed in my feelings toward you; and your first refusal has not discouraged me."The old maid's eyes were lowered.There was a moment of cruel silence for du Bousquier, and then Mademoiselle Cormon decided on her course.
She raised her eyelids; tears flowed from her eyes, and she gave du Bousquier a tender glance.
"If that is so, monsieur," she said, in a trembling voice, "promise me to live in a Christian manner, and not oppose my religious customs, but to leave me the right to select my confessors, and I will grant you my hand"; as she said the words, she held it out to him.
Du Bousquier seized the good fat hand so full of money, and kissed it solemnly.
"But," she said, allowing him to kiss it, "one thing more I must require of you.""If it is a possible thing, it is granted," replied the purveyor.
"Alas!" returned the old maid."For my sake, I must ask you to take upon yourself a sin which I feel to be enormous,--for to lie is one of the capital sins.But you will confess it, will you not? We will do penance for it together" [they looked at each other tenderly].