But I must have overestimated my intelligence, for I could gain no
meaning whatever from the phrases which followed each other in
rapid succession; though the words 'adoption,' 'emancipation,'
'dowry,' 'compensation,' 'reimbursement for sums expended,'
recurred again and again. I was only certain of one point: the
Count de Chalusse wished something, and these gentlemen were
specifying other things in exchange. To each of their demands he
answered: 'Yes, yes--it's granted. That's understood.' But at
last he began to grow impatient, and in a voice which impressed
one with the idea that he was accustomed to command, he exclaimed,
'I will do whatever you wish. Do you desire anything more?' The
gentlemen at once became silent, and the superior hastily declared
that M. de Chalusse was a thousand times too good, but that one
could expect no less of him, the last representative of one of the
greatest and oldest families of France.
"I cannot describe the surprise and indignation that were raging
in my soul. I divined--I felt that it was MY fate, MY future, MY
life that were being decided, and I was not even consulted on the
matter. They were disposing of me as if they were sure in advance
of my consent. My pride revolted at the thought, but I could not
find a word to say in protest. Crimson with shame, confused and
furious, I was wondering how I could interfere, when suddenly the
consultation ceased and the gentlemen at once surrounded me.
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