'
'They cannot doubt it,' replied Cavigni, bowing low.
'And would not that be very mortifying, Signor?'
'Unquestionably it would,' said Cavigni.
'I cannot endure the thought,' said Madame Cheron.
'It is not to be endured,' replied Cavigni.
'What can be done to prevent so humiliating a mistake?' rejoined
Madame Cheron.
'Alas! I cannot assist you,' replied Cavigni, with a deliberating
air. 'Your only chance of refuting the calumny, and of making people
understand what you wish them to believe, is to persist in your first
assertion; for, when they are told of the Chevalier's want of
discernment, it is possible they may suppose he never presumed to
distress you with his admiration.--But then again--that diffidence,
which renders you so insensible to your own perfections--they will
consider this, and Valancourt's taste will not be doubted, though you
arraign it. In short, they will, in spite of your endeavours,
continue to believe, what might very naturally have occurred to them
without any hint of mine--that the Chevalier has taste enough to
admire a beautiful woman.
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