The uncle returned and imparted this news to his niece, jumping and showing his teeth, because he too thought that a very wealthy nephew would be of great assistance to him in procuring employment; and the La Pincerie family accepted Robineau's invitation with pleasure.
But Mademoiselle Cornélie had found Alfred much more fascinating than the lord of La Roche-Noire; the unaffected bearing, the amiable manners, and the lively tone of young De Marcey had caused Robineau to appear more stupid and heavy than ever; and when she learned that the tall young man was a baron and had an income of a hundred thousand francs, she thought of nothing but making a conquest of him, because, in addition to his physical advantages, there was fifty per cent. to be won with him.
That is why she had dropped Robineau's arm to run after Eudoxie, who had seated herself under a clump of trees with Alfred and several other ladies of the company, married and single.
Cornélie ran to them at a mincing gait, holding her hand to her heart, and said:
"I don't know what the matter is with me, but I am tired so soon."
They hastened to offer a seat to the young lady, who eyed from the height of her grandeur the young women to whom Alfred had offered his arm.
"These gardens are immense!" said Eudoxie; "but it seems to me that they might have been arranged in a more mysterious way."
"Mesdames," said Edouard, "it is Monsieur Jules's intention to arrange them so; but he has not yet had time to carry out all the improvements that he plans; so you must excuse him if his property is still somewhat in confusion, for his keen desire to receive you did not allow him to wait until everything was entirely finished."
"Ah! this gentleman is very agreeable," said one of the young women; "he takes so much trouble to entertain us."
"Besides, mesdames," said Alfred, "you must remember that you are at a bachelor's house, and that quality should induce you to overlook many things."
"That quality!" said Cornélie, pressing her lips together; "do you call that a quality, monsieur?"
"It is at all events a condition which entitles one to be excused for many thoughtless acts."
"You abuse the privilege sometimes, messieurs!" said Eudoxie, making eyes at Edouard, who was gazing at the foliage.