"
This was said in the tone which, coming from a woman means: "If you
refuse we shall quarrel."
"Willingly, madame," replied the captain. "But as I have not the
fortune of a count, have the kindness to call me captain."
"Very good, captain; give me your arm," she said,--taking it and
leading the way to the dining-room with the flattering familiarity
which enchants all lovers.
The countess placed the captain beside her; his behavior was that of a
poor sub-lieutenant dining at his general's table. He let Clementine
talk, listened deferentially as to a superior, did not differ with her
in anything, and waited to be questioned before he spoke at all. He
seemed actually stupid to the countess, whose coquettish little ways
missed their mark in presence of such frigid gravity and conventional
respect. In vain Adam kept saying: "Do be lively, Thaddeus; one would
really suppose you were not at home. You must have made a wager to
disconcert Clementine." Thaddeus continued heavy and half asleep. When
the servants left the room at the end of the dessert the captain
explained that his habits were diametrically opposite to those of
society,--he went to bed at eight o'clock and got up very early in the
morning; and he excused his dulness on the ground of being sleepy.
"My intention in taking you to the Opera was to amuse you, captain;
but do as you prefer," said Clementine, rather piqued.
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