‘Indubitably. And therefore, my infant, you must not only bear with her folly, but you must be at pains to cause her no trouble.’
Léonie seemed to debate within herself.
‘Must I, Monseigneur?’
Justin looked at her, and recognised the naughty twinkle in her eye.
‘Because I will it so, my child.’
The little straight nose wrinkled.
‘Oh, eh bien!’
‘I thought so,’ remarked Avon beneath his breath. ‘It is a promise, Léonie?’
‘I do not think that I will promise,’ Léonie temporised. ‘I will try.’ She came and stood before him. ‘Monseigneur, it is very kind of you to bring me to this beautiful place, and to give me everything just as though I were not the sister of an innkeeper. Thank you very much.’
Justin looked at her for a moment, and his lips twisted in a curious smile.
‘You think me a paragon of all the virtues, don’t you, ma fille ?’
‘Oh no!’ she answered candidly. ‘I think it is only to me that you are kind. With some women you are not good at all. I cannot help knowing these things, Monseigneur!’
‘And yet, child, you are content to remain with me?’
‘But of course!’ she answered in some surprise.
‘You are full of trust,’ he remarked.
‘Of course,’ she said again.
‘This,’ said Avon, looking at the rings on his hand, ‘is a new experience. I wonder what Hugh would say?’
‘Oh, he would pull down his mouth, so! And shake his head. I think he is sometimes not very wise.’
He laughed, and laid a hand on her shoulder.
‘I never thought, ma fille, to take unto me a ward so much after mine own heart. I beg you will be careful not to shock Madam Field.’
‘But with you I may say what I please?’
‘You always do,’ he replied.
‘And you will stay here?’
‘For the present. I have to attend to your education, you see. There are things you have to learn that I can best teach you.’
‘What, par example ?’
‘To ride?’
‘On a horse? Vraiment? ’
‘The prospect pleases you?’
‘Yes, oh yes! And will you teach me to fight with a sword, Monseigneur?’
‘It’s not a ladylike occupation, ma fille.’