She used to betake
herself to the Tricon's with the ease born of use, just as the poor go
to the pawnshop.
But as she left her own chamber Nana came suddenly upon Georges standing
in the middle of the drawing room. Not noticing his waxen pallor and the
somber fire in his wide eyes, she gave a sigh of relief.
"Ah, you've come from your brother."
"No," said the lad, growing yet paler.
At this she gave a despairing shrug. What did he want? Why was he
barring her way? She was in a hurry--yes, she was. Then returning to
where he stood:
"You've no money, have you?"
"No."
"That's true. How silly of me! Never a stiver; not even their omnibus
fares Mamma doesn't wish it! Oh, what a set of men!"
And she escaped. But he held her back; he wanted to speak to her. She
was fairly under way and again declared she had no time, but he stopped
her with a word.
"Listen, I know you're going to marry my brother."
Gracious! The thing was too funny! And she let herself down into a chair
in order to laugh at her ease.
"Yes," continued the lad, "and I don't wish it. It's I you're going to
marry. That's why I've come."
"Eh, what? You too?" she cried. "Why, it's a family disease, is it? No,
never! What a fancy, to be sure! Have I ever asked you to do anything so
nasty? Neither one nor t'other of you! No, never!"
The lad's face brightened.
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