"But for a poor girl isn't it rather an expensive amusement ?" "Oh, I am very wrong, there is no doubt about that," said Mademoiselle Noemie.

"But rather than earn my living as some girls do--toiling with a needle, in little black holes, out of the world--I would throw myself into the Seine." "There is no need of that," Newman answered; "your father told you my offer ?" "Your offer ?" "He wants you to marry, and I told him I would give you a chance to earn your dot." "He told me all about it, and you see the account I make of it! Why should you take such an interest in my marriage ?" "My interest was in your father.

I hold to my offer; do what you can, and I will buy what you paint." She stood for some time, meditating, with her eyes on the ground.
At last, looking up, "What sort of a husband can you get for twelve thousand francs ?" she asked.
"Your father tells me he knows some very good young men." "Grocers and butchers and little maitres de cafes! I will not marry at all if I can't marry well." "I would advise you not to be too fastidious," said Newman.

"That's all the advice I can give you." "I am very much vexed at what I have said!" cried the young girl.

"It has done me no good.