Come, listen to me, please."
CHAPTER XII
Then, in a low tone, Angelique began her story. She related in a flow
of inexhaustible words all that had happened, calling up the most minute
details, growing more and more excited at the recollection of them. She
omitted nothing, but searched her memory as if it were for a confession.
She was not at all embarrassed, although her cheeks grew very red and
her eyes sparkled with flashes of pride; yet she did not raise her
voice, but continued to talk earnestly in a half-whisper.
At length Hubertine interrupted her, speaking also very low:
"Ah, my dear! Now you are too excited. You have indeed to correct
yourself, for you are carried away by your feelings, as if by a great
wind. Ah, my vain, my headstrong child, you are always the same little
girl who refused to wash up the kitchen floor, and who kissed her own
hands."
Angelique could not prevent herself from laughing.
"No, do not laugh. It may be that by-and-by you will not have tears
enough to weep. My poor darling, this marriage can never take place."
Again her gaiety burst out in a long musical laugh.
"But mother, mother, what are you saying? Do you wish to punish me by
teasing me? It is a very simple matter.
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