"Tell thy father that I feel--am touched by
his goodness with an eternal gratitude, and love every one that loves my
mother." As far as wishes went, these two were eager promoters of Clive's
little love-affair; and Madame la Princesse became equally not less
willing. Clive's good looks and good-nature had had their effects upon
that good-natured woman, and he was as great a favourite with her as with
her husband. And thus it happened that when Miss Ethel came to pay her
visit, and sate with Madame de Florac and her grandchildren in the
garden, Mr. Newcome would sometimes walk up the avenue there, and salute
the ladies.
If Ethel had not wanted to see him, would she have come? Yes; she used to
say she was going to Madame de Preville's, not Madame de Florac's, and
would insist, I have no doubt, that it was Madame de Preville whom she
went to see (whose husband was a member of the Chamber of Deputies, a
Conseiller d'etat; or other French bigwig), and that she had no idea of
going to meet Clive, or that he was more than a casual acquaintance at
the Hotel de Florac.
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