"And now throw your glass on the floor!"
"Yes, M'sieur," said Francine, who obeyed regretfully, with the new
instinct of a housewife.
"Now, Madame, as wife and mistress of Keragouil, I think it is well
that you understand your position and what I expect of you," said the
Comte, waving her to a seat and occupying a fauteuil in magisterial
fashion. "I expect that you will learn in a willing spirit what I shall
teach you, that you may become worthy of the noble position you occupy."
"Oh, M'sieur may be sure I'll do my best," said Francine, quite
overcome.
"I expect you to show me the deference and obedience that I demand as
head of the house of Bonzag."
"Oh, M'sieur le Comte, how could you think--"
"To be economical and amiable."
"Yes, indeed, M'sieur."
"To listen when I speak, to forget you were a peasant, to give me three
desserts a week, and never, madame, to show me the slightest
infidelity."
At these last words, Francine, already overcome by the rapid whirl of
fortune, as well as by the overcharged spirits of the potent Burgundy,
burst into tears.
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