le Comte de Poligny has done you the
honour to demand your hand for his son, the Chevalier; and I have
accepted his proposals, since by this means the proces will be
terminated respecting the estates in Picardy, and he will come to a
favourable accommodation with your brother, very important in the
present circumstances.'
I suppose she and Solivet expected me to submit myself to my fate
like a good little French girl. What I did was to turn round and
exclaim: 'Eustace, you have not sold me for this?'
He held out his hand, and said: 'No, sister. I have told my mother
and brother that my consent depends solely on you.'
Then I felt safe, even when Solivet said:
'Nor does any well-brought-up daughter speak of her wishes when her
parents have decided for her.'
'You are not my parent, sir,' I cried; 'you have no authority over
me! Nor am I what you call a well-brought-up girl--that is, a poor
creature without a will!'
'It is as I always said,' exclaimed my mother. 'She will be a
scandal.'
But I need not describe the whole conversation, even if I could
remember more than the opening. I believe I behaved very ill, and
was in danger of injuring my own cause by my violence; my mother
cried, and said I should be a disgrace to the family, and Solivet
looked fierce, handled the hilt of his sword, and observed that he
should know how to prevent that; and then Eustace took my hands, and
said he would speak with me alone, and my mother declared that he
would encourage me in my folly and undutifulness; while Solivet
added: 'Remember we are in earnest.
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