"What would they do if they did not understand?"
"They would take you," I replied, fixing her sternly with my
gaze, "they would take you for an unconscionable baggage."
"_Hou!_" laughed Carlotta, suddenly. And she ran from the room.
In a moment she was back again. She came up to me demurely and
plucked my sleeve.
"Come and show me what I must put on so as to please you."
I rang the bell for Antoinette, to whom I gave the necessary
instructions. Her next request would be that I should act the
part of lady's-maid. I must maintain my dignity with Carlotta.
The lovely afternoon had attracted many people to the park, and
the lawns were thronged. We found a couple of chairs at the edge
of one of the cross-paths and watched the elegant assembly.
Carlotta, vastly entertained, asked innumerable questions. How
could I tell whether a lady was married or unmarried? Did they
all wear stays? Why did every one look so happy? Did I think
that old man was the young girl's husband? What were they all
talking about? Wouldn't I take her for a drive in one of those
beautiful carriages? Why hadn't I a carriage? Then suddenly, as
if inspired, after a few minutes' silent reflection:
"Seer Marcous, is this the marriage market?"
"The what?" I gasped.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163